One of the big topics coming out of the Pittsburgh Steelers OTAs is a potential change in role for DL Keeanu Benton.
Benton has largely been Pittsburgh’s primary nose tackle since being selected in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, though that seems likely to change this year. Benton is also on the last year of his deal, and questions about his market have arisen.
While The 33rd Team’s Steve Palazzolo said Benton’s market is hard to figure out, he did provide some insight on how he believes the Steelers should use Benton.
“You don’t just trust him from an every-down perspective, but the pass-rush is incredible,” Palazzolo said on 93.7 The Fan on Thursday. “He can have a 5-7 sack season…I think if you’re the Steelers, you’d rather steal some of those early down snaps for him and just have him unleashed on third down as much as possible.”
Benton had a breakout year rushing the passer in 2025, totaling 5.5 sacks. Prior to last season, though, he had only one sack in the past two seasons. His club-over move is elite, but he needs to build a larger repertoire of pass-rush moves, and he started to do that a bit last season.
The big question is whether or not Benton will have more success against the run if he does move off nose tackle. Ideally, he can play on early downs. The Steelers did sign Sebastian Joseph-Day, who has had success as a run-plugger and can certainly handle early-down work, but Benton has the tools to be more than just a third-down contributor.
Right now, it makes sense, as he’s shown to be much better rushing the passer than against the run. But if Patrick Graham and Domato Peko plan to use him differently, it could lead to a better overall season from Benton.
If Benton is limited to just a third-down role, he has to be as effective as he was last year in getting after the quarterback. His inconsistency early in his career means it’s no sure thing he’ll succeed in a pure pass-rushing role.
It’ll be interesting to see what the Steelers have in store for Benton. As a whole, the front seven should be moving around a lot more, and Benton could wear a few different hats along the defensive line.
On the surface, the changes sound positive, and that could help Benton break out during what could be a contract year if he doesn’t sign a new deal before the season.
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