Few teams can afford losses like stalwart defensive tackles Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant. They should both be first-round picks in this upcoming NFL Draft and were two of the most disruptive forces in college football.
However, the Michigan Wolverines are well-equipped to absorb these losses behind the leadership and increased opportunities of Rayshaun Benny, at least according to PFF. They recently ranked Benny as the ninth-best returning interior defensive lineman for 2025.
Here is what PFF had to say about him:
“Benny earned an 84.4 PFF grade in 2024, tying for 11th among FBS interior defenders, while his 87.5 run-defense grade ranked inside the top 15.”
The 6-foot-4, nearly 300-pound beast has been an excellent depth piece in recent years, but his snap count is sure to soar with Graham and Grant off the to NFL. His 2024 total of 327 was 14th on the team and more than 200 fewer than Graham and Grant.
Even in a rotational capacity, Benny has been productive. Since 2022, Benny has appeared in 38 games, making 69 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, four pass deflections and a forced fumble. A second season with defensive coordinator Wink Martindale and the chance for Benny to spearhead this defense will do wonders for Team 146.
It will not be all on Benny’s shoulders to carry the defensive line, as he has a phenomenal supporting cast accompanying him. On the interior alone, the Wolverines boast returnee Trey Pierce and transfers Tré Williams and Damon Payne Jr. That’s not to mention a fierce group of pass rushers led by Derrick Moore. This defense once again can dominate, even with so many key departures.
Benny has loads of talent, and the only question is if he can take his game to the next level. More snaps will help, but can he sustain success over a longer period? He will need to prove he can handle a bigger workload and more attention from opposing offensive lines.
While reaching the heights of his predecessors is unlikely, it doesn’t mean Benny can’t still have a stellar campaign. The fact he is already held in such high regard without having the spotlight speaks volumes about his ceiling and what he has already accomplished.
Having his knowledge and experience is so valuable and a luxury not many players share. If Benny does indeed take that next step, he could be the anchor of a stout defense and rise up draft boards.
Considering the way Michigan has developed defensive linemen in recent years, and what Benny has already put on tape, it’s safe to say he will continue the tradition of dominance.