(2023) Keeanu Benton-DT-Wisconsin

Keeanu Benton

DT/NT

6’4, 315

Senior

Strengths	Weaknesses
Monster in Run Defense, Almost Impossible to Move Fantastic at Closing Off Running and Cutback Lanes Powerful Hands and Drive Good Size and Arm Length Violent and Physical Tackler	Inconsistent and Unpolished Pass Rusher Lack of First Step Burst

2022 Statistics (Per PFF)

*(Ranking is out of the 330 Defensive Linemen with 300+ Snaps this season)

2022 Statistic	Total	Ranking *	Rank Percentile
Pressures	28	T-31st	Top 9%
Sacks	6	T-15th	Top 5%
QB Hits	11	T-4th	Top 1%
Hurries	11	T-131st	Top 40%
Tackles	25	T-50th	Top 15%
Missed Tackle %	13.5%	178th	Bottom 47%

Write-Up:

Keeanu Benton is a defensive tackle prospect out of Wisconsin who played 4 seasons with the Badgers, mainly as a 1-tech nose tackle. Benton saw immediate action as a freshman with the Badgers, but it was not until his junior season that he became a starter on the interior of the defensive line. While he showed value as a run stuffer, Benton showed much more pass rush promise with an impressive 6 sack 2022 season, before entering the NFL Draft.

Benton is one of the most fun interior defenders in this class. Despite not being the greatest athlete, Benton was a high impact player, specifically in run defense. He is a high effort player who knows where to position himself to shutdown run gaps and cutback lanes. Benton has good power that allows him to push himself and his blocker into the run lane and eat up a ton of space. He has a very strong lower half that allows him to generate his power and drive blockers backwards. His power extends to his hands, which Benton utilizes well in terms of his placement. When he has a tackling opportunity, Benton is violent and loves to deliver a big shot whenever he can.

There are a couple of holes in Benton’s game though that do need some development if he wants to challenge for an every-down role in the NFL. His pass rushing acumen as of right now is a bit lacking, and it stems from him not being the quickest athlete. He lacks the burst and acceleration from his first step which especially hurts him as a pass rusher. Benton can generate plenty of interior pressure, but it can be slow to develop at times.

Overall, Keeanu Benton is a really intelligent and exciting, run-first interior defender. He has the potential to grow into a solid pass rusher, but his ceiling might be capped at the next level due to a lack of first step acceleration.

Draft Projection:   Late 1st-2nd Round