Is Keeanu Benton Lions' DT of Future?

All Lions scouting report on Wisconsin defensive tackle Keeanu Benton.

The Detroit Lions are in need of help on the defensive line. 

Aidan Hutchinson and James Houston give them two exciting young players on the edge, but the interior remains in need of help. Though Isaiah Buggs, Alim McNeill and John Cominsky have been solid, depth is an issue. 

The NFL Draft offers a chance for the team to address this need. Detroit holds plenty of premium selections, including five picks within the top 85. 

Detroit general manager Brad Holmes has an opportunity to bolster the talent level. Among the options is Wisconsin's Keeanu Benton, who is currently predicted to be a second-round pick. 

The defender offers plenty of exciting potential. He's boosted his stock plenty during the pre-draft process by being among the best performers at the Senior Bowl and NFL Scouting Combine. 

At the combine, he ran a 5.08 40-yard dash, while posting a 9'3" broad jump and a 29-inch vertical. 

"He is physically imposing, with a really strong upper body," reads his profile on SI NFL Draft Bible. "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."

Benton is indeed a physically imposing presence. At 6-foot-4, 309 pounds, he has no issue filling space and run lanes. 

He's a sound gap defender, and has little trouble shedding blockers. The former Badgers defensive lineman also is tough to move, given his size and sound technique. 

Serving as a starter for most of his four seasons at Wisconsin, he was also able to produce in pass-rush situations. He totaled nine sacks in that time, plus 19 tackles for loss. 

A key to improving his game is his pad level. When Benton is struggling, it's because he stands too tall at the point of attack, which makes it easier for linemen to move his sturdy frame. 

"The key to improving Benton’s game is playing with a better pad level," an NFL Draft Bible scout pens. "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 also isn't the most quick defender off the ball, but his size allows him to make up for what he lacks in most situations. 

His sturdiness in the run game will make him an asset at the next level, but he must continue improving his consistency in the run game. 

For a Lions team that needs depth, Benton could be a good fit. He wouldn't be thrust into an every-down role, but could contribute in run situations and provide dependency for a defense that has struggled against the run.