All articles tagged with #keeanu benton
The Steelers agreed to a four-year, $72 million extension with defensive tackle Keeanu Benton, averaging $18 million per season and making him the highest-paid defensive lineman in Steelers history; Benton, 25, has appeared in all 51 games with 40 starts in his rookie deal and posted 123 tackles, nine tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, 28 QB hits and one interception.
The Steelers' recent game saw mixed individual performances, with Keeanu Benton and Payton Wilson notably struggling against the run, highlighting areas for improvement in their defensive line and linebacker play.
In a close game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Washington Commanders, two overlooked plays were crucial in Pittsburgh's victory. Calvin Austin III made a critical 13-yard catch on 2nd and 16, setting up a manageable 3rd down that led to a game-winning touchdown by Mike Williams. Additionally, Keeanu Benton made a game-saving open-field tackle on Commanders' QB Jayden Daniels, preventing a potential field goal opportunity that could have changed the game's outcome.
Rookie nose tackle Keeanu Benton returns to practice for the Pittsburgh Steelers after suffering a minor ankle injury in his preseason debut, while backup offensive lineman Nate Herbig sits out with a shoulder injury. Benton participated in individual drills but did not join initial team drills. Defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi is also absent from practice, wearing a boot on his right foot. Rookie cornerback Joey Porter Jr. returns to practice, linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski and safety Tre Norwood are out, and veteran defensive tackle Cameron Heyward returns after battling an illness.
Keeanu Benton, the Wisconsin defensive tackle, has been praised as the "hidden gem" of the Pittsburgh Steelers' draft class by NFL Draft analysts. Benton was selected in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft and brings strength and athleticism to the nose tackle position. He is more polished as a run defender than a pass rusher, but with his size and traits, there's no reason he shouldn't be able to develop an all-around game on the interior.
The Pittsburgh Steelers' draft class is marked by versatility, with multiple players who can play multiple positions. The team's top two picks, Broderick Jones and Joey Porter Jr., have clear positions, but the other players have multiple talents that they can bring to the table. The team's fourth-round choice, Nick Herbig, is a pass rusher who could play both outside linebacker and inside linebacker. Meanwhile, seventh-round guard Spencer Anderson has already played multiple positions in college, and cornerback Corey Trice could also log some snaps at safety.
The Pittsburgh Steelers earned high grades from CBS Sports for their Day 2 selections in the 2023 NFL Draft, including an "A+" for the pick of cornerback Joey Porter Jr., a "B+" for defensive tackle Keeanu Benton, and an "A-" for tight end Darnell Washington. The Steelers addressed major needs along the defensive line and at tight end, while also getting a cornerback with All-Pro potential. Pittsburgh has three picks remaining on Day 3 of the draft.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have drafted Wisconsin DL Keeanu Benton at 49 in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin confirmed that Benton will start his career as a nose tackle but has the versatility to play defensive end. Benton played both positions at Wisconsin and has the size, length, and quickness to beat centers off the ball while using his length well to extend, stack, and shed in the run game.
In a mock draft for the 2023 NFL Draft, the Denver Broncos trade back to acquire more picks and address their needs across the roster. They select Keeanu Benton, a defensive tackle from Wisconsin, Jonathan Mingo, a wide receiver from Ole Miss, Tank Bigsby, a running back from Auburn, Ricky Stromberg, a center from Arkansas, Davis Allen, a tight end from Clemson, Aiden O’Connell, a quarterback from Purdue, and Alex Austin, a cornerback from Oregon State. They also take a chance on Jake Witt, an offensive tackle from Northern Michigan.
The Minnesota Vikings are projected to select Keeanu Benton, a defensive lineman from Wisconsin, in the 2023 NFL Draft to make up for the loss of veteran defensive lineman Dalvin Tomlinson. Benton's size and pass-rushing abilities make him an excellent choice for the Vikings' defense, which would benefit greatly from his addition.
ESPN's Matt Miller has the Chicago Bears selecting Iowa defensive end Lukas Van Ness with the ninth overall pick in the NFL Draft. Miller believes Van Ness offers both an immediate impact and a stunning ceiling. The Bears address their defensive tackle need with Wisconsin's Keeanu Benton in the second round and finally address the offensive line with Ohio State's Dawand Jones in the same round. Miller's mock draft for the Bears includes a lot of offensive help, including a pair of wide receivers and a running back.
In the 2023 Pride of Detroit Community Mock Draft, the Detroit Lions selected defensive tackle Keeanu Benton from Wisconsin with the 48th overall pick. Benton has an ideal NFL frame for the position and is a strong run defender, with the potential to improve as a pass rusher. His addition will help address the Lions' biggest defensive flaw from the previous season.
With no first- or second-round picks in this year's NFL draft, the Denver Broncos are under pressure to make the most of their third-round picks. NFL.com's Chad Reuter has identified Wisconsin defensive lineman Keeanu Benton and Maryland cornerback Jakorian Bennett as the "ideal top two picks" for the Broncos. The 33rd Team also re-drafted the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft, with the Broncos selecting cornerback Jaire Alexander instead of Bradley Chubb.
The 2023 NFL Draft class for interior defensive linemen has some promising prospects, including Jalen Carter from Georgia, Jalen Redmond from Oklahoma, and Keeanu Benton from Wisconsin. These players have shown impressive athleticism, strength, and versatility on the field, but also have areas for improvement such as conditioning and technique. Other notable prospects include Gervon Dexter from Florida and Calijah Kancey from Pittsburgh.
The Dallas Cowboys have a flexible approach to the 2023 NFL Draft after filling most of their roster needs through trades and free agency. In this seven-round mock draft, the Cowboys target defense with their first two picks, selecting edge rusher Will McDonald IV and nose tackle Keeanu Benton. They also add a tight end in Luke Schoonmaker, guard Chandler Zavala, quarterback Aidan O'Connell, wide receiver Puka Nacua, and running back Mohamed Ibrahim.