Keeanu

Benton

Benton, the 49th pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, signed a contract that includes guaranteed money in the third year -- an unprecedented deal, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. Benton performed well at the NFL Combine after serving as the anchor of Wisconsin’s defensive line, recording 60 tackles in his final two collegiate seasons. He should be a plus for a Steelers defense graded by PFF as 2022’s tenth best run-defending unit.

The Senior Bowl standout boosted his stock at every step of the pre-Draft process, also posting an 8.65 RAS at the Combine. His 3-cone time in the 91st-percentile reflects his lacrosse background, while the explosion indicated by his 85th-percentile Broad Jump is apparent in his play. While amassing 60 tackles in his final two seasons in Madison, Benton showed great ability to anchor in the middle of a stout Badger defense. He has a great punch that knocks many offensive linemen off their spots while his chops and rips have martial art precision. Despite not being put in a position to put up multiple sacks, he still ended up with six sacks in his junior and senior seasons, resulting in All-B1G honors. The biggest problem with Benton is his tendency to play with a high pad level thus losing his anchor. He’ll join a Steelers defense with a rush defense graded by PFF as last season’s tenth best.