Steelers' Keeanu Benton Tabbed As One Of 10 Best Rookie-Team Fits
CBS Sports NFL Draft analyst Chris Trapasso released his list of the "10 Best NFL Rookie-Team Fits for 2023'. At No. 9 on his list, Trapasso listed Pittsburgh Steelers second-round pick Keeanu Benton.
As an interior defensive lineman, Benton possesses the versatility to play at multiple spots, which he did in college with the Wisconsin Badgers. Trapasso praised Benton for his explosive playing style, his physicality, and his ability to make plays in opposing backfields.
Trapasso gave the following assessment:
Benton is an ultra-physical, stunningly explosive nose tackle with an assertive play style and powerful hands. A three-down defender who's just as apt to crumble the pocket on third down as he is to blow up a run play behind the line, Benton feels like a classic Steelers interior defensive lineman who's going to bring it every snap he's on the field.
From size and athleticism angles, Benton's almost identical to former Dolphins first-round pick Christian Wilkins, and that's the type of hyper-active, pesky defensive tackle who will thrive next to Cam Heyward and across from T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith in Pittsburgh.
Last season with the Badgers, Benton set career highs in tackles (36), sacks (4.5), and tackles for loss (10). His performance earned him a spot at this year's Reese's Senior Bowl, where he emerged as one of the top overall players, and an invite to the 2023 NFL Combine in Indianapolis.
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