The Pittsburgh Steelers' defensive plan is slowly becoming clearer. The secondary will have as many moving parts as possible, while the edge rushers will utilize their depth as a strength.
The defensive line is an entirely different story.
Recent investments have made this group deep. From the top to the bottom, there is a lot to like about this depth chart.
There seems to be some semblance of change being planned with the starters based on the initial depth chart. Yahya Black is listed as the starting nose tackle while incumbent Keeanu Benton is listed as the backup to Cameron Heyward.
This may seem like a demotion for Benton, but in reality, it could unleash his full potential.
The Pittsburgh Steelers may have a new look Keeanu Benton on their hands
While this initial depth chart could certainly change between now and the start of the regular season, it feels like a sign of the times for Benton. While he has still gotten reps at nose tackle, he has also been playing more up and down the line.
This honestly feels like a great fit for Benton. It may lead to a slight reduction in his snap count, but it should put him in a position to make the most of what snaps he gets.
Benton is arguably the best pass rusher along this defensive line. Unfortunately, playing as a traditional nose tackle doesn’t allow him to maximize those traits. While being able to rush the quarterback from the interior is a plus for a nose tackle, you need to be able to take up space and stop the run.
Black, on paper, certainly fits that mold better. That doesn’t mean Benton can’t play nose in a rotational sense. He can when the Steelers want a little extra juice in their pass rush. He can also rotate in at defensive end and still rush the passer in sub-package.
I’d even be curious whether a more limited-role plan for Benton would help his overall game. His best plays tend to come in chunks, and he seems to play better early in games when fresh.
In a rotation, he may not see the same number of total snaps, but if he is making the most of his opportunities, it is a moot point. This also means the rest of the defensive line gets to be on a heavier rotation, meaning everyone stays fresher.
While Benton being listed as the second-string defensive end to Heyward looks like a demotion on paper, it could turn out to be a blessing in disguise. Being more position-flexible and playing fresher could lead to a high-quality season.
It couldn’t come at a better time, as Benton could be in line for a massive new deal if he takes advantage of his opportunity in 2027.
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