Pittsburgh Steelers nose tackle Keeanu Benton flashed throughout his rookie 2023 season. The former Wisconsin standout was extremely efficient with his opportunities and should see more playing time in 2024, leading to a breakout sophomore campaign.
The No. 49 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft, Benton was immediately thrust into Mike Tomlin’s defensive rotation, but his snap count was routinely limited. He made his debut in Week 1 with a 43% snap-share and that number lowered to 32% and 29% in the two contests that followed. Benton didn’t begin hitting his stride until mid-season.
Benton played a season-high 48 snaps (65%) versus the Tennessee Titans in primetime in Week 9. The ex-Badger played his second-most snaps the following week, 45 (66%) against the Green Bay Packers, a game in which he recorded a personal-high six tackles. For whatever reason, Benton returned to a more modest snap count, totaling between 17-39 snaps in every remaining contest.
Big Nu movin' 💨 @keeanu_benton pic.twitter.com/FcDv7SVwWH
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) May 29, 2024
In total, Benton earned 484 snaps throughout his rookie season. He was on the field for 42.87% of all Steelers' defensive plays. There’s room for Benton to be more involved during the upcoming 2024 campaign.
Benton ranked fourth on the Steelers with 24 pressures despite the part-time role. There were individual moments of brilliance where Benton looked flat-out unblockable across the interior. The Chicago, Illinois native secured a dominant pass-rushing grade of 80.0 from Pro Football Focus.
Benton was credited with starting nine contests while appearing in all 17. He amassed 36 tackles, 16 stops, 14 hurries, and a sack. Benton's production should see an uptick in Tomlin's defense this season.
Expect bump in sacks (1) from Steelers Keeanu Benton in year two pic.twitter.com/GpNVRJ6BAm
— Bo Marchionte (@BoMarchionte) May 28, 2024
The Steelers still have a deep group of defensive linemen heading into 2024 but they should place more faith in Benton, especially since several of their senior players struggled in 2023. The 35-year-old Cameron Heyward is a legend and six-time Pro Bowler but he struggled with a groin injury while posting just 2.0 sacks, his lowest since his sophomore 2012 season. Heyward is entering a contract year and could opt for retirement next offseason.
Larry Ogunjobi was the Steelers' most-used defensive tackle, totaling 767 snaps during the regular season. Ogunjobi accumulated just 3.0 sacks despite being afforded so much opportunity. It was a tame follow-up to his 1.5 quarterback takedowns the year prior as he hasn't been able to replicate the 7.0 sack season he enjoyed with the Cleveland Browns in 2021.
Montravius Adams was also re-signed to a two-year contract earlier this offseason. Adams is the closest like-for-like replacement for Benton on the Steelers' roster. The former third-round nose tackle had 15 pressures, 15 hurries, and 11 stops while often spelling Benton.
Benton played high-quality football for a stingy Steelers defense. He proved capable of being a legitimate pass-rushing threat as a 310-pound load up the middle that wins with both finesse and power. Benton should showcase growth as a sophomore in 2024 so long as Tomlin rewards his rookie play with the increased role he deserves.
