Rumors have been swirling that a big change is coming to the Pittsburgh Steelers defensive line. Despite rumors of contract talks with Keeanu Benton, the Steelers could be seemingly demoting him with a massive fan favorite player in Yahya Black.
While drafted as a traditional defensive end, it appears as though the Steelers plan to move Black to nose tackle this year. There are even rumors flying that Black will be given the starting job by the time the season begins.
This would seem like a demotion for Benton. In reality, though, it could finally set him free as a defensive tackle.
The Pittsburgh Steelers could unleash Keeanu Benton in his new role
While Benton seemed like a viable nose tackle candidate in college, his body size always left some fans thinking he was better suited for a more traditional 3-4 defensive end role. Given where his game is currently, you would have to agree with that assumption.
Benton has developed into a really strong pass rusher. He recorded a career high 5.5 sacks last year and at times looked like the best pure pass rusher among the defensive line.
His run defense is his weak point, which makes him a weird fit as a nose tackle. While pass-rushing nose tackles exist, they still need to be able to hold up at the point of attack. Benton fails to be overly effective there.
He has the size and length to play end, though, and I think that would be a better fit for him. If Black does supplant him as the primary nose tackle, it could be a blessing in disguise.
While it may lead to a reduction in overall snaps, Benton traditionally has made most of his impact in bunches. Playing fewer snaps overall and playing more downs centered around pass-rushing opportunities could be just what the doctor ordered.
Now, to be clear, if Benton truly takes the back seat to Black in base defense, it likely signifies that he isn’t getting a new deal. You aren’t going to pay a player like Benton the amount that he wants just to reduce his snap count.
Instead, it would be a trial year for the young defensive tackle. If the new role sticks, he could earn a new deal next offseason. If he really blossoms, you could always use the franchise tag.
While time will tell how this battle shakes out, Benton playing less traditional nose tackle reps could be better for his long-term outlook. As long as the team is willing to maximize the snaps they can get him on the field, it could lead to him building off his career year.
Ahead of his new contract, this could quietly be what the doctor ordered.
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