Benton Whitley Bio
Benton Whitley is an edge defender from Springfield, Massachusetts, who played college football at Holy Cross. He began his Crusaders career at linebacker before moving to the defensive line, and he finished as a fifth-year senior defensive end in 2021. Holy Cross listed him at 6-foot-4 and 260 pounds. His college honors included All-New England recognition in 2021, first-team All-Patriot League selections from 2019 through 2021, and the 2021 Connor Award, a team honor voted on by Holy Cross players. He attended Minnechaug Regional High School and majored in biology at Holy Cross.
Whitley entered the NFL in 2022 as an undrafted free agent with the Los Angeles Rams. His pro stops have included the Rams, Kansas City Chiefs, Minnesota Vikings, New York Giants, Arizona Cardinals, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Cleveland Browns. Cleveland signed him as a defensive end on June 4, 2026, listing him at 6-foot-4 and 255 pounds, then waived him on August 26, 2026. As of September 21, 2026, he should not be described as a member of the Browns or another NFL club based on the available current transaction record. On the field, pre-draft NFL scouting described him as a power-oriented edge player with length and the flexibility to play standing up or with a hand on the ground.
- Position
- LB
Benton Whitley Questions & Answers
Who is Benton Whitley?
Benton Whitley is an American football edge defender who played at Holy Cross and entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2022.What position does Benton Whitley play?
Whitley has been used as a defensive end or edge defender. He began his Holy Cross career at linebacker before moving to the defensive line.How tall is Benton Whitley?
Holy Cross listed Whitley at 6-foot-4 and 260 pounds in 2021. The Browns listed him at 6-foot-4 and 255 pounds when they signed him in June 2026.Where did Benton Whitley play college football?
Whitley played at Holy Cross, where he earned first-team All-Patriot League honors and All-New England recognition as a defensive end.Was Benton Whitley drafted into the NFL?
No. Whitley signed with the Los Angeles Rams as an undrafted free agent on April 30, 2022.Is Benton Whitley currently on an NFL team?
As of September 21, 2026, Whitley should not be described as being on an NFL roster. The Cleveland Browns waived him on August 26, 2026, and the available Browns transaction record does not show a later return.What is Benton Whitley's playing style?
NFL draft analysis characterized Whitley as a power-oriented edge player with long arms and a sturdy build. The scouting report said he could align either standing up or with a hand on the ground, with his strength showing as a pass rusher and at the point of attack.
