The Pittsburgh Steelers impressed everyone with their 2023 NFL Draft Class. They picked some great players, and two of them are already set to start in the first game of the 2024 season. Broderick Jones is going to play left tackle, and Joey Porter Jr. will be the team's top cornerback. There's also Keeanu Benton, a defensive tackle who had an outstanding rookie year.
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Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Keeanu Benton (95) reacts during an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2023, in Pittsburgh, PA.
He got more playing time than expected because Cam Heyward was injured. Looking forward to his second season, Benton is on track to play even more and might even start. Could he be the Steelers' next defensive star? There's a lot of excitement around his potential.
On a Recent Episode of the Move the Sticks Podcast
During a recent episode of the Move the Sticks podcast, co-host Daniel Jeremiah had high praise for Benton. Jeremiah highlighted Benton's role in the Steelers defense, especially focusing on the front seven.
As a rookie, Benton logged 484 snaps, the second most among defensive linemen, and recorded 14 solo tackles, two forced fumbles, two passes defended, and one sack. While these stats might not seem eye-catching, they show how effective and productive he was in his first year.
As the Steelers look forward to the 2024 season, they are counting on Benton to live up to Jeremiah's words. With veterans like Cam Heyward and Larry Ogunjobi nearing the end of their careers, Benton is the best candidate to become a long-term anchor on the defensive line. To achieve this, he will need to keep working hard and honing his skills.
Fans and analysts alike will be keeping a close watch, and even those checking the odds on their favorite online sportsbook will be curious to see if Benton can step up and become the defensive star the Steelers need.
%202023%20Camp%20Final%20with%20Logos/2L9A7953-544x306.jpg "Steelers Cam Heyward Keeanu Benton")
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Steelers' Keeanu Benton (left) and veteran Cam Heyward (right) participate in 2023 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
Areas for Improvement that will help the Steelers
One key area where Benton needs to improve is finishing plays. Despite his massive size, weighing over 300 pounds, and immense strength, Benton often struggled to complete tackles last season. While he excels at winning battles at the line of scrimmage, there were many instances where he pressured the quarterback or collapsed the pocket but couldn't finish the play. To reach the level of a defensive player like Heyward, Benton will need to become more effective at creating chaos in the backfield.
The good news for the Steelers is that Benton has all the tools to succeed. He had a solid rookie year and showed up to minicamp with a renewed sense of motivation and excitement for the 2024 season. At just 22 years old, Benton has plenty of time to develop his skills further. If he can address his issues with finishing plays, the Steelers might indeed have their next defensive star. The potential is clear, and fans have good reason to be excited about Benton's future with the team.
The Takeaway
Benton shows great promise as a potential defensive star for the Steelers. His solid rookie season and the high praise from analysts highlight his potential.
Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Keeanu Benton before his first NFL game at Acrisure Stadium.
If Benton can refine his skills, particularly in finishing plays, he could become a key player on the defensive line.
Fans have much to be optimistic about as they look forward to seeing Benton grow and develop in the coming seasons.
