Is Keeanu Benton a long-term answer for the Steelers at nose tackle?
The Steelers’ previous coaching staff insisted on leaving Keeanu Benton at nose tackle, for whatever that’s worth, amid sub-package prominence. A former second-round pick, he is heading into a contract year, which means important questions must find answers. For starters, what is he worth, and what is he willing to sign for?
The Steelers drafted Keeanu Benton with the intent of making him a long-term solution along the defensive line. To his credit, he is coming off his best and most impactful season. But has he shown enough to say he can be a fixture in an elite defensive line for the next five years?
And if not, then you have to ask another question: can he be that player at another position? While the Steelers drafted Derrick Harmon last year in the first round, Cam Heyward may only play another year. Let’s say the team’s defensive line of 2027 looks like Keeanu Benton, Yahya Black, and Derrick Harmon. Black could be a placeholder, even if they draft a high-pedigreed tackle in the next two years. Is that what the new coaching staff should focus on?
Last season, Benton recorded 51 tackles, 6 for loss, with 5.5 sacks and 12 quarterback hits. Those are all career-best numbers, and the game tape supports the notion that he improved. One thing he is doing more of is finishing plays. He has always known how to win off the line of scrimmage, but closing the deal was an issue.
Former Steelers HC Mike Tomlin favored a more agile defensive tackle over the years, starting with Steve McLendon. That worked out pretty well, and so did Javon Hargrave. But is that what best suits Keeanu Benton? Would he have a better future at defensive end, or is inside where he actually plays best? That’s a question the Steelers’ new coaching staff, including DC Patrick Graham and DL coach Domata Peko, will want to figure out. Peko will know a little something about that, I’d imagine.
The Steelers exited the playoffs in the first round yet again, a pattern going back to 2017.With seven consecutive postseason losses and no wins in nearly a decade, they are facing another long, long offseason. No doubt we will see many changes, but none will top Mike Tomlin’s resignation.
The NFL has crowned its latest champion, but for us and the Steelers, we have been in offseason mode. That’s what happens when the team you coverloses by the middle of January all the time, but you’ve been around, so you know that already. Enjoy the ride, even the turbulence, because it’s the only way we know how to travel anymore.
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