NFL Draft 2014: San Jose State DB Bene Benwikere selected in 5th round by Carolina

With the 148th pick in the 2014 NFL draft, the Carolina Panthers selected San Jose Spartans defensive back Bene Benwikere. Benwikere is 5-foot-11 and 195 pounds and rated as the No. 32 cornerback the draft, according to Mocking The Draft.

Playmaking is where Benwikere can shine at the next level. Playing for San Jose State he had 14 career interceptions, including 12 over the past two years, and 22 career pass breaks ups. Not only is he a playmaker he also is a sure tackler and had 74 last year, and that helps out in the running game and the Spartans were awful last year so he had to help out there.

At the NFL level, Benwikere may need to play in special teams and make his way up the depth chart as a backup or nickel package. Playing in the NFC South going up against Matt Ryan of the Atlanta Falcons and Drew Brees of the New Orleans Saints could thrust Benwikere into early season at the nickel spot.

Here is Benwikere's scouting report:

One of the best assets for Benwikere is that he is very good at reacting to the ball and getting a hand in the way, plus he has very fluid hips and doesn't get beat on wide receivers double moves, or route change. Another huge plus for Benwikere to be able to succeed at the next level is that he played strong safety nickelback and even a little bit of special teams. Then of course he has the ability to help out in run coverage.

The downside to Benwikere is that he obviously needs to get above 200 pounds to be able to compete with the physical wide receivers at the next level. Also, his senior year was his only one where he was a full-time starter, yet he had 11 interceptions last year.

Here are video highlights of Benwikere: