Steelers NFL Draft Analysis: Interior Monster, Keeanu Benton is a Stud
Coming off a strong pick to start to Day 2 of the NFL Draft in Joey Porter Jr, the Pittsburgh Steelers elected to keep addressing the defense and took Wisconsin defensive tackle, Keeanu Benton.
It's no secret the Steelers have been linked to Benton throughout much the process, but just what did analysts think of the player:
Dane Brugler: 56th overall, DT 6
"A four-year starter at Wisconsin, Benton was the starting nose tackle in former defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard’s 3-4 base scheme, also seeing snaps over the B-gap. He averaged 36 snaps per game over his final two seasons in Madison and posted a personal-best 10 tackles for loss as a senior captain in 2022. With his push-the-pocket power, Benton consistently resets the line of scrimmage when his pad level is right and plays with the movement skills to get up and down the line of scrimmage. His mediocre college production is a product of his role for the Badgers and his pass-rush potential boosts his draft grade (flashed promising rush potential during Senior Bowl practices). Benton needs to play with consistent leverage and become a more consistent finisher for the NFL game, but his stout power base and above-average athleticism at his size are outstanding foundation traits. He has the talent to play all over the defensive line as a pro."
Lance Zierlein: 80th overall, DT 5
"Benton is a powerful interior defensive lineman with size and persistence. However, he needs to play with consistent explosiveness early in the rep for decisive wins at the point of attack at the pro level. Block engagements become drawn-out brawls at times, but he does a nice job of defeating block sustains and often finds himself near the play. He lacks a wide base and sturdy anchor, so he’ll need to improve his pad level to prevent double teams from moving him around too easily. He’s solid and has flashed starting potential, but he needs to become a more consistently impactful force in the middle to make noise as an NFL starter."
My Analysis: 28th overall, DT 4
Positives: Prototypical size profile for an interior defensive lineman, with the ideal length/wingspan that teams look for. Explosive for his size off the snap, showing good first-step quickness to win off the line. The quickness is evident with his ability to swiftly get around, over and under blocks effectively. Possesses a consistent pass rush plan, often opting to win with his hand usage when it comes to utilizing his go-to club move, but also strings together a swim or a rip on top of it as he showcases the ability to string moves together.
Shows decent bend to be able to finish towards the quarterback and keep his pad level low. Flashes the balance to be able to command and take on doubles at the point of attack. Experienced with utilizing one arm technique to hold the point of attack and taking down the ball carrier with the other arm. Maintains the line of scrimmage with consistency, rarely ever getting blown off the ball. Good range working laterally against blocks to handle zone blocking schemes and shows enough first-step quickness to shoot between the gap.
Played anywhere from a 5 to a 0 technique and will appeal deeply to hybrid defensive fronts. Shows good effort level to keep working when his rush stalls. He had a dominant week down at the Senior Bowl where he could not be stopped in either one on ones or team scrimmages.
Negatives: Good athlete, but not a great one which could potentially limit the ceiling. Inconsistent when it comes to handling doubles and combo blocks along the interior when playing nose. Spin move does nothing on film and he often gets stopped spinning in place, needs to understand when and where to use it.
Could rely more on his bull rush going forward, but didn’t really harness enough power when it came to his rush plan consistently. Pass rush plan stagnated when he failed to win with his hands. Loses his balance a bit when dropping his pad level low.
Bottom Line: One of the safest interior defensive line prospects with ready-made hang usage from his wrestling background, with the play strength to maintain the point of attack. Some view him as a nose, a 5, or 3 technique, I think he can do all of them, with his true role being as a 3 technique.
NFL Comparison: B.J. Hill
Scheme fit: Hybrid defensive front, 5/3 technique best fit, but can handle some nose situationally.
Grade: A
Pittsburgh took one of the most polished and safest defensive tackles in this class and continued their strong draft momentum. Benton fits like a glove along the Steelers hybrid defensive front, with the ability to play over the center, take on guards and even flash the ability to two-gap as a 4i.
Benton should be a starter right out the gate and could fill a very important role early on. Pittsburgh loves to move their interior around the formation and with Benton's versatility and underrated pass-rush chops, he could make arguably the biggest splash of any draft pick.
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