Kelvin Benjamin posted slow 40-yard time at combine on purpose

Kelvin Benjamin enjoyed a fine season last year with Florida State that put him in the conversation to become a first-round draft pick in the NFL. The Carolina Panthers selected him No. 28 overall, but it sounds like he could have gone even higher.

Benjamin claims that he didn’t give his best effort at the NFL combine because he wanted to be drafted by the Panthers.

The former FSU receiver was clocked in the 40-yard dash at 4.61 seconds. He chose not to run at Florida State’s pro day and apparently did not showcase all of his speed at the NFL Combine.

Benjamin told ESPN that he held back in Indy because, “I wanted to play for the Carolina Panthers.”

Sammy Watkins, Mike Evans, Odell Beckham Jr., and Brandin Cooks were all drafted ahead of Benjamin, though he is doing better than nearly all of his fellow rookie wide receivers. Through eight games, Benjamin leads all rookies with receiving touchdowns (5), ranks second in receiving yards (571) and is third in receptions (38). He was also named the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month in September.

The “plan” worked out well for Benjamin, who was assured of ample playing time with Steve Smith Sr., Brandon LaFell, Domenik Hixon and Ted Ginn Jr. no longer on the Panthers roster. Those four accounted for 156 receptions, 1,983 yards, and 15 touchdowns last year. Someone had to be on the other end of Cam Newton’s passes this season, and Benjamin envisioned he would be the one to catch them all.

H/T Eye On Football