PFF grades Steeler second-best rookie of Week 1
Not many Steelers looked their best in the team's 30-7 loss to the 49ers in Week 1. However, Pro Football Focus believes one of Pittsburgh's rookies deserves some recognition.
PFF gave Steelers rookie DT Keeanu Benton an 86.1 grade, the second highest of all rookies in Week 1 and ahead of the likes of No. 3 overall pick Will Anderson Jr. and No. 11 overall pick Peter Skoronski.
Benton, the No. 49 overall pick in the second round, only finished the game with three tackles but certainly made an impact when on the field. He found himself in the backfield in his first two pass-rush snaps, forcing 49ers QB Brock Purdy to get the ball out quickly.
The Wisconsin product has impressed early, and it seems his role may be growing with Pittsburgh's growing injury list.
Defensive tackle Cameron Heyward is already expected to miss up to eight weeks with a groin injury and defensive lineman Larry Ogunjobi is dealing with a foot injury of his own.
It's highly likely Benton gets his playing time increased due to Heyward's absence, but if Ogunjobi is also inactive, the rookie D-lineman could see the field early and often in Week 2.
Benton has proven his versatility, playing every position on the defensive line during his collegiate career. That, of course, only helps his case to start.
The Steelers will also look to second- and third-year players in DeMarvin Leal and Isaiahh Loudermilk to help fill Heyward's absence, and maybe Ogunjobi's. But Benton has certainly shown enough to earn more reps.
Although, he will certainly have his hands full Monday night when Pittsburgh hosts the Browns, who had the second-most rushing yards (206) in the league in Week 1.
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