Steelers Look Like They Have Budding Star in DT Keeanu Benton

Benton will have to work to diversify his moves and take the next step, but he keeps taking leaps at nose tackle, and whenever he got the chance to play out at 3-technique, Benton looked as natural as ever. But he did play nearly as much as Cam Heyward or Larry Ogunjobi, but heading into his second season, it seems that will change.

Cam Heyward admitted he never gave him enough credit for doing what he had done as a rookie. It’s not hard to see. Most guys do not play as a rookie as much as Benton has and have this much success. But Benton is only getting better. Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin gave Keeanu Benton plenty of props for his growth, too.

“A lot of potential, a lot of growth, and I love what I see from the young guy. He just continues to get better. I can’t say enough about him. I’m glad we got him, and I think he’s going to be a real force in that middle four for a while,” Austin said.

So far, he is their healthiest and most consistent defensive tackle. For a second-round pick, that is a massive hit. Now, he just needs to take the next step from being good to dominant, as it lays the foundation for that leap in 2024. There is no question on who the favorite for a breakout player on the Steelers should be in 2024. All of the signs point to Benton becoming a potential monster along the defensive line in his second season.

“I don’t give that kid enough credit,” Heyward said. “He’s come on big for us. Losing Montravius, myself… We needed guys to step up. I thought he did an amazing job. He plays with good leverage, good hands, gets off blocks, and gets after the qb too. I love the way he runs after the ball. That’s one thing that I was taught here when I first got here, and he’s emulating that every single time.”

Getting praise like that is not new for Benton and should not stop coming. He will likely see that productivity increase next year when he gets stronger and the game slows down even more. Somehow, as a rookie, he became the team ‘s most consistent defensive lineman. For a second-round pick, that is a massive hit.