Over the course of this football season, the focus of these player profiles revolved around likely first-round prospects. The Chicago Bears traded the No. 1 overall pick to the Carolina Panthers and now possess the ninth-overall selection in the draft.
Between now and draft day, player evaluations will be fluid as these athletes will have competed in all-star games, the NFL combine and their prospective pro days. The Bears will need to select talented players at various positions and most will come from the later rounds in the draft.
Today’s profile focuses on a position of need, although this player’s possible selection could be a day two decision.
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Name: Keeanu Benton
Position: DL
School (Year): Wisconsin (Sr)
Measurables: 6’4”, 309 lbs / 5.08 40-Time / Arms 33 ⅞ / Wingspan 81 ¾ / Bench Press 25x
NFL
Career Notes: [2022] Third Team All-Big Ten (coaches); [2021] Second Team All-Big Ten (coaches); [2020] Academic All-Big Ten
Best Game: Benton’s best game occurred on the road November 27, 2021 against Big Ten West rival, Minnesota. Although the contest eventually ended in a loss against an experienced Gophers team, Benton and the Badger defense played a defiant game. The Badgers held a 10-6 half time lead due in part to the pick six interception from Wisconsin safety, Scott Nelson. The game was tied 13-13 late in the third quarter, until Minnesota quarterback Tanner Morgan connected on a 27 yard touchdown pass. Unfortunately for the Badgers, their offense was only able to generate three points in the second half, and essentially, just six offensive points for the entirety of the game. Despite the loss, Benton valiantly registered six total stops with two tackles for loss and two sacks.
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What they're saying about him: “For a guy to be that big and agile was very impressive. That’s a lot of things you can’t teach. That’s god-given talent. Keeanu had to work on that and not be lazy on his ability. For him, there is no limit. There is no ceiling.” - Pittsburgh Steelers scout Ike Taylor
Skill Set: Benton possesses a powerful upper body that’s supported by a strong base and stout anchor. These tangible traits enable him to handle interior traffic along the line of scrimmage while maintaining his balance. He utilizes his functional strength, ripping through blocks and shedding linemen in order to make disruptive plays. Lighter on his feet than his stature would suggest, Benton’s athleticism and agility fuel his ability to be effective on stunts and twists when attacking the offensive line. Blessed with a 81-inch wingspan, Benton’s length, strength and underestimated quickness make him a formidable interior defender, who is just scratching the surface of his immense talent.
Why Chicago? The need for interior defensive linemen, especially at the 3-technique in the Bears’ 4-3 defensive scheme, is almost obsessive and desperate at the same time. Before the new year began, several pundits and evaluators (me included) felt that Chicago had a great chance at obtaining defensive tackle Jalen Carter in the 2023 NFL Draft. By most accounts he was the preeminent defensive tackle exiting college and a perfect fit for Chicago’s defense. Over the past several weeks, Carter’s character, decision making and motivation to be committed toward football excellence have come under keen scrutiny. Benton, on the other hand, has risen up draft boards after showcasing his talents during the week leading into the Senior Bowl and ultimately the game itself. Initially seen as more of a run stuffer than pass rusher, Benton displayed solid pressure inducing techniques, with his rip and swim maneuvers being his most effective. Athletic with good knee bend and flexible hips, Benton can beat double teams and still make stops behind the line of scrimmage (10 tackles for loss in 2022). An enthusiastic football player who plays with great awareness, he consistently demonstrates quality decision making on and off the field. Benton may prove to be the diamond in the rough contributor Chicago needs to anchor its defensive core.