Steelers DL Coach Karl Dunbar Provides The Cold Hard Truth For Keeanu Benton

It’s no secret the Pittsburgh Steelers’ defense is known for its physicality upfront. Pittsburgh has especially leaned on elite nose tackles to set the tone. Now entering 2025, Keeanu Benton looks poised to take that role. While the former second-round pick showed flashes as a rookie, he seemed to regress in 2024 and the 2025 offseason has been about turning promise into production.

According to those inside the building, Benton’s doing just that. Defensive line coach, Karl Dunbar recently spoke to the media about Benton’s development and the clear areas where he still needs to grow.

“He just has to work on finishing plays,” Dunbar said. “Sack productivity has to get up. He does a great job of hitting the quarterback, but until you put the skins on the wall, that’s all they’ve got.”

Another area of Benton’s game that drew Dunbar’s attention this offseason is his physical transformation. Benton reported to camp this year stronger, more conditioned, and more balanced than before.

“He changed his body well. He’s still 310,” Dunbar added. “He’s still 310 and he’s got big, heavy hands. He’s had a great offseason where he really took care of his body.”

This isn’t just a surface-level compliment. Dunbar is highlighting the kind of work that’s done in the shadows—training table decisions, extra lifting sessions, better flexibility. Benton staying at 310 pounds, but changing how that weight is distributed means he’s gaining control over his body and learning what’s required of a professional nose tackle.

For the Steelers’ run defense overall, all this matters. The unit ranked 19th in rush yards allowed last season. Benton becoming a stronger, smarter version of himself directly helps flip that number. His new body allows for both durability and improved technique, two traits necessary to anchor the A-gap all season. 

Dunbar didn’t stop at praising Benton’s offseason work either. He took it a step further by invoking the name of a former Steelers star who forged a similar path.

“I think it’s awesome. For him, it fits his body stock,” Dunbar said. “We had a nose tackle here who was 295 pounds—[Javon] Hargrave—and he left and made a whole bunch of money. It’s just how your body’s built and what your body’s built for.”

Any time a coach compares a developing player to a high-level former Steeler, it’s intentional. Javon Hargrave is one of the best modern success stories to come through Pittsburgh’s defensive line room. He wasn’t the biggest, but his compact frame, fast hands, and leverage made him an interior problem. Now, Dunbar sees similar things in Benton.

Perhaps most importantly overall, the former Wisconsin star sets his own tone. Opposing offenses feel confident when they can run straight ahead. Benton forces them outside or into bad decisions. That’s how turnovers and third-down stops happen.

“Sack productivity has to get up… until you put the skins on the wall, that’s all they’ve got. He’s had a great offseason where he really took care of his body,” said Dunbar.

Dunbar’s quotes lay out the blueprint. Benton is stronger, smarter, and more polished than he was a year ago. He’s winning with his hands, staying stout at 310 pounds, and absorbing the lessons taught by those before him.

Steelers’ Defensive Outlook With Benton

The only thing left? Skins on the wall—sacks, tackles for loss, game-changing plays. If those come, Benton won’t just be a starter; he’ll be the next in a long line of Steelers interior legends. Benton, at all costs, must show improvement in 2025 and more so that he is capable of dominating upfront. A deep postseason push from the Steelers may depend on it. 

Do you think Benton makes big changes for the Steelers this upcoming season? Let us know in the comments!

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