Probably on guys he didn't know or didn't have alot of knowledge in. But for the top picks (1st rounders), I'm pretty sure (my gut feeling, not saying it as a fact) that Benning went with his own instincts/feelings.
OT: Just noticed your username. I remember when the Canucks drafted him, I thought the Canucks got one real tough hombre. The name, playing in the WHL (tons of PIMs lol). Team Captain of the Pats. While he wasn't really a great fighter, he never failed to 'answer the bell' when called upon. Didn't duck anyone (even if it meant being overmatched in a fight). Never an allstar but had a pretty lengthy respectible NHL career. You still need these guys of players in your lineup (as well as the "stars").