Veteran slot receiver Travis Benjamin has one obvious skill that fits well into the 49ers’ offense under coach Kyle Shanahan.
“Speed,” Benjamin said. “Kyle loves speed.”
Benjamin signed a one-year contract with the 49ers this offseason after playing the previous four seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers. He is rejoined with Shanahan and assistant coach Mike McDaniel, for whom Benjamin played during the 2014 season with the Cleveland Browns.
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“Whenever there’s a fast guy willing to make a play, Kyle is willing to draw it up for you to make that play, and put that speed on tape,” Benjamin said Wednesday on a video call with Bay Area reporters.
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Benjamin, 30, might not have the same speed that enabled him to clock a 4.36 seconds in the 40-yard dash at the 2012 NFL Scouting Combine, but he still has the ability to stretch the field. His speed gives him the best chance to earn a spot on the 49ers as he competes for a roster spot against Trent Taylor and Richie James on offense and the return game.
Benjamin should not fall too far behind the returning players during the 49ers’ virtual offseason because he already has a solid understanding of the team’s offense.
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“It gives me a slight edge because I know what to expect,” Benjamin said. “I know what the situation Kyle likes in his offense and the tempo he wants to move the ball and the receiver sets, and Kyle wants the type of player who can learn and play each of the positions out there.”
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Benjamin caught 18 passes for 314 yards (17.4 average) and three touchdowns with Shanahan as the Browns’ offensive coordinator in 2014. His next three seasons were his best, as he totaled 966, 677 and 567 yards, including his first two seasons with the Chargers.
Benjamin was limited to just 17 games over the past two seasons due to injuries.
