The Steelers have big expectations for their 2023 rookie draft class after it was named one of the best among the rest of the league. They have so much confidence that they helped one of their rookies make history.
Pittsburgh's second-round pick DT Keeanu Benton signed his rookie deal last week, and the team gave him guaranteed money in the third year of his contract, marking the first time that's happened for the 49th pick, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
The 6-foot-4, 309-pound Wisconsin product can play anywhere along the defensive line but may see playing time right away at nose tackle, which may have helped his case in contract negotiations.
Benton has also already begun to impress some of the Steelers veterans such as defensive lineman Larry Ogunjobi.
"I like [Keeanu Benton] a lot," Ogunjobi said. "He moves really, really well for that size. I think the ceiling is super high for him."
However, it doesn't stop there. Fellow rookie and former Wisconsin teammate LB Nick Herbig also commented on what Benton is bringing to Pittsburgh.
"I don't think people in Pittsburgh really know what they got in Keeanu," Herbig said on "The Sick Podcast." "He's a freak man. I thought he was the best D-lineman in the draft. I can't believe he went second round. I can't believe he fell that far."
The #Steelers have signed 2nd round pick Keeanu Benton per @RapSheet
— Mike Nicastro (@MikedUpSports1) June 23, 2023
The rookie looked like a pro at OTA’s.
Nick Herbig told me:
“I don’t really think people in Pittsburgh know what they’ve got with Keeanu”
pic.twitter.com/fZSATKJydK
Only time will tell how good Benton is, but with all the praise coming from the Steelers, fans should be excited for their newest defensive lineman.
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