Summary

Christian Benford was selected in Round 6 (#185 Overall) of the 2022 NFL Draft out of Villanova University. A highly productive FCS cornerback, Benford finished his collegiate career with 158 tackles, 9 interceptions, 32 passes defended, and 4 forced fumbles, earning First-Team All-CAA honors and building a reputation as a physical, instinctive cover defender. In the NFL, Benford quickly outperformed his draft slot, earning significant playing time early in his career and eventually developing into a starting-caliber outside corner in Buffalo’s defense. Through the 2024 season, he has recorded 120+ tackles, multiple interceptions, and double-digit passes defended, while consistently drawing challenging coverage assignments. Benford is widely regarded as a high-character, tough, and professional competitor who has earned a lucrative contract extension to be the Bills’ CB1 of the foreseeable future.

Strengths

• Physical Coverage Style: Aggressive at the line of scrimmage and disrupts timing with press technique. Just an absolute pill to play against for 60 minutes.

• Competitive Toughness: Confident matching up against top receivers and plays with edge. Consistently plays through the echo of the whistle.

• Ball Skills: Tracks the football well and competes aggressively at the catch point.

• Route Recognition: Anticipates breaks and closes throwing windows quickly. Understands zone spacing and leverage responsibilities.

Weaknesses

• Top-End Speed: Functional linear speed but not elite leaving him susceptible to be tested vertically, especially if press technique fails.

• Recovery Ability: Limited margin for error if beaten cleanly early.

• Man Coverage vs. Elites: Can be stressed by sudden, high-end separators.

• Athletic Ceiling: Traits cap matchup flexibility against speed-heavy offenses.

Outlook

Benford is an excellent fit for Buffalo’s physical, zone-heavy defensive scheme, which values discipline, toughness, and competitive coverage on the outside. He thrives in systems that allow corners to play press-bail, pattern-match, and attack routes aggressively, rather than sitting passively in off coverage. His willingness to support the run and challenge receivers aligns well with Buffalo’s defensive identity. Looking ahead, Benford projects as a reliable long-term starting corner or high-end CB2 with a strong floor. Benford has shown steady improvement year-over-year and provided a strong return relative to draft position. While elite speed limitations cap shutdown upside, his instincts, toughness, and confidence allow him to consistently hold his own against quality competition. As his experience grows, Benford should continue to be a trusted perimeter defender capable of anchoring coverage units and providing steady, winning-value play for the Bills.