Keeanu Benton is having the best season of his three-year career. He needed it. In a critical year to prove he was worth his second-round investment, Benton has become a consistent pass rusher with 4.5 sacks through 10 games after recording a combined two in his first two years. A testament and reminder that not everyone runs the race at the same speed, and some players need time to hone their craft.
Benton’s hand use, flexibility/bend, and overall athleticism are big reasons why he’s playing at a high level. But there’s been a change in his game. He’s winning in both directions.
Below is a chart showing the sides on which Benton has achieved the pressures we’ve credited him for. Discounting extended plays or stunts and focusing on clear interior rushes, Benton primarily rushed to his right early in his career. Using his go-to “club/over” that he was far more comfortable going to his right (the offensive lineman’s left) against. Each year, he’s become far more balanced.
Year Benton Left Rush Pressures Benton Right Rush Pressures
2023 2 13
2024 4 9
2025 5 7
As a rookie, 86.8 percent of his pressures came rushing to his right. In 2024, that figure was 69.2 percent. This year? It’s down to just 58.3 percent.
That really showed against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. Three of his four pressures came on the left side.
Keep in mind, for research and simplicity’s sake, I only looked at and charted his pressures. He’s won other reps going to his left that didn’t result in a pressure, like this one against Minnesota earlier in the year.
Benton has also varied his rushes. He’s found a move beyond his club/over, which is still used to his right. He’s using more swims and swipes, bending through contact with his great hip and ankle flexibility, which reminds me of Stephon Tuitt, to win to his left. He’s sustaining rushes and showing more counters when his initial move fails or doesn’t win clean.
This balance is keeping linemen guessing. No longer can they sit on and expect Benton to go one way. Or use just one move. It makes his club/over move all the more potent, now more of a surprise. Think of it as a pitcher who can throw a great slider to pair with his fastball. Throw the slider, and it makes the fastball even harder to hit.
The sky has always been the limit for Benton. His talent and potential jump off the page. Now, he’s putting it together. His play is trending up.
And left.
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