In John Dorsey’s biggest free agency move of the offseason — so far — Bennie Logan was signed to replace the Chiefs 2012 first round pick, NT Dontari Poe. For the moment, Poe is the biggest free agent in the market — literally and figuratively. As for Bennie Logan, he may end up helping the Chiefs greatly improve a 26th ranked run defense.
Bennie Logan was born on December 28, 1989, and was raised in Shreveport, Louisiana. Logan had a “normal” childhood… with seven brothers and sisters. He graduated from Red River Senior High School in Coushatta, Louisiana and went on to star at LSU under Les Miles. He was drafted #67 overall — in the third round — by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2013 and has had an ascending career there in his four years. In those four years, Logan has had 5.5 sacks and 164 tackles averaging 41 tackles per season, which is excellent for an interior lineman.
Logan’s best season came in, 2014 and 2015, with 57 tackles and 55 tackles respectively (Dontari Poe had 51 tackles in his best season — 2013). Those were both seasons when he was playing in a 3-4 defensive alignment, which is what DC Bob Sutton and the Chiefs run… and a big reason that Logan signing with the Chiefs could have a huge upside for their run defense. In 2016 Logan started 13 games and recorded 24 tackles, 2 1/2 sacks and six quarterback hurries in 45.8 percent of the Eagles’ defensive snaps.
The downside with Bennie Logan is that he hasn’t been must of a disruptive force in the passing game. Apparently, Bennie feels he can be more than that:
Bennie Logan knows he has a reputation as a run stopper but he also feels he can contribute as a pass rusher.
— Terez A. Paylor (@TerezPaylor) March 15, 2017
Perhaps Logan hasn’t been asked to be a pass rusher in Philly. Many DCs ask each of their front seven to play a role and Logan appears capable so we’ll see. However, he is clearly an upgrade in run support.
What Chiefs fans should know about Bennie Logan is that he was a popular player in Philadelphia. Terez Payor reveals,
“The way I played, every time I was on the field — regardless of how I felt or if I was injured — I gave my all, and that’s one thing Philadelphia fans like, a guy that’s passionate about the team and goes out there and gives it their all… I was also very active in the community, doing things at the schools. So I was active, and a lot of fans saw I interacted with them, so that’s why a lot of fans were kind of upset I was leaving.”
Part of Bennie Logan’s improvement over the course of his career comes with paying attention.
“I just realized it was more of a technique and adjusted to way offensive linemen were blocking me — it’s like a chess game, doing stuff to counteract what the offensive linemen are doing and always setting up another move… Bull rush sets up everything… bull rushing says a lot. You have to force your will upon a guy and let him know you’re there.”
Perhaps nothing can say as much as a highlight reel about the performance of any individual player. So, here is a Highlight Reel of Bennie Logan from 2014-2015 and this time, the soundtrack is meant for all ears and includes commentation.
There is also more to the story as to why Bennie Logan decided to come to K.C. Apparently, there was someone in Kansas City who Logan trusted. B.J. Kissel shared what Logan said about his old friend,
“[Spencer Ware] called me and just let me know what was going on (with the Chiefs),” Logan explained. “We had a nice little conversation a couple of times and he really made me feel like it was a good place for me, and I felt like it was a good place for me too. That’s why I made the decision.”
Welcome to Kansas City Bennie. We’re glad you came. Now, enjoy some barbecue and take in a little jazz and be sure and visit the Nelson Art Gallery while you’re at it.