NFL Draft Profile: Keeanu Benton, Defensive Lineman, Wisconsin Badgers
#95
Pos: iDL
Ht: 6035
Wt: 309
Hand: 0968
Arm: 3378
Wing: 8048
40: 5.08
DOB: 7/17/2001
Hometown: Janesville, WI
High School: Craig
Eligibility: 2023
Keeanu Benton
Wisconsin Badgers
One-Liners
“If Benton develops more as a pass rusher, he has the chance to be one of the better defensive tackles in the NFL.”
Evaluation:
On film, Benton’s overall size stands out. He is physically imposing, with a really strong upper body. Benton has the size to take on double teams and be a really impactful player in the run game. With his natural upper body strength, Benton has an easy time getting off blocks. He can stack and shed offensive linemen with ease. For his size, Benton possesses impressive explosion and a good enough first step. He is never going to be a high-level pass rusher but Benton is able to walk offensive linemen back. Benton flashed violent hands but needs to develop more pass rush moves to get after the quarterback. The key to improving Benton’s game is playing with a better pad level. Too often, Benton would get up high out of his stance, allowing linemen to win the leverage battle and wash him out of plays. When Benton plays low, his natural power overwhelms opponents, making it easy for him to be disruptive. He is at his best as a rusher when he plays low too. Overall, Benton is a very good prospect. He projects best as a nose tackle at the next level but there is definitely three-down potential with him. The flashes are there as a pass rusher and he is explosive enough. He’ll never be a high-end pass rusher but his ability as a run defender will make up for his deficiencies as a pass rusher. With a good season, Benton has the opportunity to cement himself as an early day two pick.
Grade:
3rd Round
Background:
Keeanu Benton has had an impressive career for Wisconsin with over thirty games played and a total of forty-five tackles, and four and a half sacks. As he enters 2022 for the Badgers, he is on the Fourth Team All-America Team. During his time, he has been on the Academic All-Big Ten team, where he was recognized with that honor in 2020. In high school where he attended Craig High School and was First Team All-State as a senior and All-Region. Benton is from Janesville, Wisconsin and is majoring in Life Science Communication.
