What does Cedric Bensons starting role mean to his value, and to his team?
As the fourth pick in the 2005 NFL draft, it’s put-up or shut-up time for Cedric Benson. He’s watched Thomas Jones rush for 2,500 yards and 15 touchdowns the past two seasons, and yearned for the chance to be that lead back. Now that Jones has flown to the Jets, it leaves all the pressure on Benson to perform like the starting running back he was selected to be. Fantasy owners and Bears fans alike need to know, however, if that’s what we’re going to see. Let’s put it this way: You’re going to have to draft him as the undisputed starter he is. Although he’s full of promise, it means you might have to select him a little earlier than you want to. There are no guarantees on Benson. Benson has not proven to be the kind of running back who breaks tackles and turns ordinary plays into long runs. Oh, he could turn out just fine, but we haven’t seen it yet. Benson averaged 4.1 yards per carry in each of his first two seasons, and last year was enough of a sample size — even as a backup to Jon
