Steelers Now
UNITY TWP, Pa. – Third-year defensive lineman Keeanu Benton is not just looking to build on his first two NFL seasons. He is entering 2025 with a clear goal of taking his game to the next level after an offseason spent reshaping his body and refining his preparation.
“I feel like it was just a little bit more structured,” Benton said. “I know how my body reacts to certain things, so I feel like I had a good plan this year.”
That renewed focus could pay major dividends for a Steelers defense that is loaded with potential. Benton, a former second-round pick, has already established himself as a dependable rotational piece along the defensive line. Over his first two seasons, he recorded 72 tackles, 2.0 sacks, 16 quarterback hits and eight passes defensed. He has consistently flashed upside as both a run defender and interior disruptor.
Now the opportunity is there for Benton to become more than just a contributor. If he can take that next step in his development, Pittsburgh may have the makings of a dominant three-man interior front. The emergence of first-round pick Derrick Harmon and the return of veteran Cam Heyward could give the Steelers a powerful trio that can control the trenches.
That group would anchor what already looks like one of the most fearsome front sevens in the NFL. With edge rushers T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith returning on the outside and linebackers Patrick Queen and second year man Payton Wilson adding speed and versatility to the middle of the field, the Steelers have all the pieces to overwhelm opposing offenses.
Around the league, many players make a significant leap when they begin to treat their physical preparation with the seriousness it demands. Talent alone is not enough to thrive at the highest level, and Benton seems to understand that.
If the work he put in this offseason translates to the field, the Steelers could be getting the best version of Keeanu Benton yet. And for teams facing Pittsburgh this fall, that might be a problem.
Alan Saunders and Brendan Howe provided reporting from St.Vincent College
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Steelers DT Keeanu Benton Eyeing Breakout Year after Offseason Transformation
