DT/NT Keeanu Benton the "Dancing Bear" might be real "Steal of the draft"

[hawaiiansteel]

Veteran DL Larry Ogunjobi is pretty impressed with rookie Keeanu Benton so far in OTAs, calling him a "dancing bear" Tuesday.

Steeler type, great value for where he was drafted, hard to believe he was still available

https://steelersdepot.com/2023/06/hes-like-a-dancing-bear-larry-ogunjobi-impressed-by-early-look-at-rookie-keeanu-benton/

[NorthCoast]

There's a tweet out there that shows him in running a drill. Gotta say for a man his size he's got some sweet feet on him.

[Blitzer]

ell of course he is the steal of the draft! Just like Jones, JP2. Darnell and all others

[whisper]

There's a tweet out there that shows him in running a drill. Gotta say for a man his size he's got some sweet feet on him.

So we have Jones, the "steal of the draft."
Then we have Washington, the "steal of the draft (SOTD)."
Trice, SOTD.
J Peezy, Jr, SOTD.
Now Benton, SOTD.

It's Herbig's turn soon. I guess every draft pick is gonna make the ProBowl in a year.

[Blitzer]

So we have Jones, the "steal of the draft."
Then we have Washington, the "steal of the draft (SOTD)."
Trice, SOTD.
J Peezy, Jr, SOTD.
Now Benton, SOTD.

It's Herbig's turn soon. I guess every draft pick is gonna make the ProBowl in a year.

We both forgot Spencer Anderson who was already call perhaps the Steal of the Draft. I mean he is versatile

[feltdizz]

There's a tweet out there that shows him in running a drill. Gotta say for a man his size he's got some sweet feet on him.

man.. that video is insane. Dude punched those bags over with some serious speed

[Captain Lemming]

So we have Jones, the "steal of the draft."
Then we have Washington, the "steal of the draft (SOTD)."
Trice, SOTD.
J Peezy, Jr, SOTD.
Now Benton, SOTD.

It's Herbig's turn soon. I guess every draft pick is gonna make the ProBowl in a year.

Pittsburgh Stealers

[whisper]

We both forgot Spencer Anderson who was already call perhaps the Steal of the Draft. I mean he is versatile

I was saving him for a tad later. Can't use all of SOTD candidates at once!

[whisper]

Pittsburgh Stealers

Annual tradition: Every player drafted by the Steelers in a future Hall of Famer according to the Yinzers.

[SteelerOfDeVille]

this one's legit possibly the SOTD...

[The Man of Steel]

So we have Jones, the "steal of the draft."
Then we have Washington, the "steal of the draft (SOTD)."
Trice, SOTD.
J Peezy, Jr, SOTD.
Now Benton, SOTD.

It's Herbig's turn soon. I guess every draft pick is gonna make the ProBowl in a year.

2023 Steelers draft >1974 Steelers draft

[whisper]

2023 Steelers draft >1974 Steelers draft

I'm smelling a Yinzer around here.

[Northern_Blitz]

So we have Jones, the "steal of the draft."
Then we have Washington, the "steal of the draft (SOTD)."
Trice, SOTD.
J Peezy, Jr, SOTD.
Now Benton, SOTD.

It's Herbig's turn soon. I guess every draft pick is gonna make the ProBowl in a year.

HI Steel is just trolling you with all these Steal of the Draft topics.

[hawaiiansteel]

Solid Starter

Keeanu Benton, DT, Wisconsin - Round 2

The 2023 NFL Draft was known to not be a strong year for defensive tackle talent, but Benton was one of the few interior linemen who rose through process. Benton had a quality senior year for the Badgers and then excelled in the months to come, performing well at the Senior Bowl practices and in pre-draft workouts. NFL team sources told WalterFootball.com that a few teams had Benton as a top second-round candidate, and Pittsburgh was the one that was able to land him.

In the pass rush, Benton flashes the ability to contribute in putting pressure on the quarterback. He is quick off the snap, and he plays with good pad level to gain leverage on offensive linemen. With active hands, Benton has developed good technique and is smart about how he attacks guards. Benton displays a steady motor in both phases, and he doesn't quit on plays, driving hard through the whistle. While he is not overwhelmingly fast or powerful, Benton is a well-balanced defender who can contribute with interior pass rush. Benton collected 4.5 sacks as a senior and rushed the quarterback well at the Senior Bowl. Some team sources said that Benton reminded them of former Panthers defender Kawann Short, an effective interior pass rusher for Carolina over many seasons.

As a run defender, Benton is tough and plays hard at the point of attack. He could use some development for the ground game, but in the passing-driven NFL, his ability to pressure the quarterback from the inside is a valuable commodity.

Benton may not be an immediate starter with veterans like Larry Ogunjobi, Montravius Adams and DeMarvin Leal competing for playing time. However, I think Benton will turn into a quality three-down starter for the Steelers in the years to come.

https://walterfootball.com/rookieforecast2023steelers.php

[Oviedo]

I’m looking forward to seeing what Benton can do. Not sure he is long term answer on the nose as his size more indicates a DE in our system