Athletic Profile
Height: 6036
Weight: 309
Arm Length: 33 78”
40 Time: 5.08
10 Yard Split: 1.74
Vertical: 29 1/2”
Broad Jump: 903
3-Cone: 7.34
Relative Athletic Score: 8.90
* Indicates Recorded At Pro Day
Statistics
2022: 28 PR - 6 SK - 25 TKL (13.5 MIS%) - 27 STOP
2021: 21 PR - 2 SK - 17 TKL (12.9 MIS%) - 16 STOP
Snap Count:
AGP: 700
BGP: 611
OVT: 5
Pros
Run Defense
Pash Rush Upside
Motor
Movement Skills
Length
Cons
Base in Run Game
Leverage Concerns
Pass Rush Polish
Summary
Keeanu Benton was a three star recruit out of high school after starring in football and wrestling. Benton was an immediate contributor logging significant snaps in all four years and becoming a full time starter in 2021 and 2022. In his final season he was voted All-Big 10 after accumulating 6 sacks and 10 TFLs.
Benton, as expected from a Wisconsin lineman, is a fantastic run defender. Primarily listed as a NT, he aligned anywhere from head up on the center to the outside shoulder of the guard. He shows excellent strength at the point of attack routinely standing up to double teams. Benton’s impressive length allows him to read and react as a two gap player. His hand power allows him to easily discard lineman he is engaged with. Benton is more than just a plugger, he has excellent movement skills at his size. This athleticism allows him to make an impact as a penetrator in single gap assignments as well. Benton’s tape is littered with splash plays where he wins with quickness from the backside. He is not a perfect run defender however. Benton struggles with his pad level at times, too often allowing blockers into his frame. He also struggles to maintain a consistent base, too frequently being turned sideways and knocked off balance.
Benton has a lot of fans in draft circles largely because of his pass rush upside. His blend of speed and power makes him a load to handle on the interior. Benton is an excellent grappler and shows tremendous balance when playing through contact. He uses his power to win with bull rush and forklift moves while also sprinkling in a decent swim move and two hand swipe. His motor and ability to finish his pressures pops on tape. Benton still has a lot to work on when it comes to pass rush polish however. He largely wins with athleticism and will need to add more counters at the next level. When his pass rush game fails he is able to use his length and football IQ to disrupt throwing lanes.
Keeanu Benton is a well rounded defensive lineman with an enticing athletic profile. There are a few players in this class that possess his ability to be an instant impact player while also having an untapped ceiling of his caliber. Benton projects as a scheme and alignment versatile lineman who brings ready made run defense. Given his age (21 on draft night) and athletic profile he possesses a tantalizing pass rush upside that should make him a Top 50 player come draft night.
Grade: 6.42 - Early Second Round Grade (Potential Starter)
Games Watched: Iowa (2021), Michigan State (2022), Purdue (2022)