Benson has been linked to Ricky Williams because both of them attended the same university, sported dreadlocks and had off-the-field issues.
The comparisons to Williams wore on Benson, as he had tears in his eyes up after the Bears selected made him the fourth pick in the draft.
“It’s been a tough process for me and I didn’t know how things were going to turn out,” Benson said. “I had to deal with a lot to things.
“The Ricky (Williams) stuff and background stuff and I just feel good that it’s over.”
The top rated running back and receiver were both off the board by the Bears were on the clock.
Utah QB Alex Smith went to San Francisco with the top pick followed by RB Ronnie Brown from Auburn and Michigan WR Braylon Edwards.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected Carnell Williams one slot after Benson was chosen.
Benson looks forward to proving his critics wrong, which includes showing why he should have been the first running back selected.
“I thought the process was a big slap in the face for everything I’ve done,” Benson said of the pre-draft process. “There’s just no respect for what I’ve done.”
The 5-foot-11, 222-pounder has an impressive college resume.
The workhorse rushed for over 1,000 yards all four years in college. His 64 rushing touchdowns are third in NCAA history.
Although he isn’t a polished receiver, he caught 69 balls during his time at Texas. He's also considered the best blocker of the three the running backs, all of which went in the top five.
“Obviously the Bears believe in me and we’re going to get some thing downs in Chicago,” Benson said.
Stayed tuned for continuing draft coverage.