The 2023 NFL Draft will be a great event for teams to start building for their future. Here is the Keeanu Benton 2023 NFL Draft Profile.
Position: Defensive Line
School: Wisconsin
Size: 6-foot-4, 309 pounds
Class: Senior
2022 Stats: 36 total tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, 2 passes defended
Benton spent four seasons in Madison, developing into a good player for the Badgers. Now he is in the 2023 NFL Draft.
As a three-star prospect out of the state of Wisconsin, Benton decided to stay in-state to play for the Badgers. He immediately saw action at nose tackle and registered 12 total tackles, four tackles for loss and two sacks. The Badgers won 10 games that season. In 2020, he had nine total tackles and two forced fumbles in a COVID-shortened season. Benton helped the team go 4-3 that season. For the 2021 season, Benton had 24 total tackles, five tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks. He led the team to a 9-4 record and a win in the Las Vegas Bowl. This past season, Benton had 36 total tackles, 10 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks. The Badgers went 7-6.
After opting out of the team’s bowl game, Benton declared for the 2023 NFL Draft. He is a projected day-two pick.
Benton has good size for a defensive tackle at 6-foot-4 and 309 pounds. With his size comes good play strength for the position, which is important for the interior. He has plenty of power to use and does so on a consistent basis. To go with his good size and strength, Benton has solid length for an interior defensive lineman with 33 and 7/8-inch arms. All of these measurables help him a solid nose tackle prospect.
His motor is always running. Benton plays through the whistle and a lot of his production comes on second-effort plays. For his size and position, he shows great pursuit of the football as well. Benton will show great desire on every play.
He provides plenty of value as a run-stopper. Benton can handle single blocks very well with the ability to shed and make plays on the ball. He can take on multiple blocks, as well, but could improve in this area a tad more. His ability to disrupt run plays helps his teammates complete plays with a good tackle.
While he showed improved pass rushing in his senior season, he doesn’t offer much value as a pass rusher. He doesn’t have many pass rush moves and wins because of his motor. Benton is likely not a three-down player at the next level.
Benton’s pad level gets too high too often. He needs to stay low to keep his power. His power is good enough to take on single blocks even with his pad level being too high, but he can improve his ability to take on multiple blocks by keeping his pad level low.
His athleticism is just average for the NFL. He isn’t quick at the snap of the ball and lacks quickness. Benton also doesn’t have great agility or flexibility. He still has the ability to win with power, but will not be able to win with athleticism on a consistent basis at the pro level.
Projected Draft Range: Second Round Pick-Third Round Pick
Draft Grade: Second-Round Pick
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