Steelers Draft Grades: Omar Khan scores big in his first NFL Draft as GM

Steelers Draft Grades Round 2:

Round 2 – Defensive Tackle – Keeanu Benton – 6’-4, 305 lbs

I had Mazi Smith, Siaki Ika, and Benton in a tie for best run stuffing DT of the Draft. Benton plays big and strong and will majorly improve the Steelers interior run defense. He has the game and athleticism to play along the line. He locks up on blocks too much and needs to stack and shed more. I’m sure Cam Heyward can show him some rip moves to solve that problem. With a year in the Steelers strength and conditioning program Benton could be dominating.

Benton is very disruptive. He routinely commands double teams. When he strikes first he can blow up the middle of an offensive line. He consistently gets penetration that forces reroutes of running plays. He also has some interior pass rush value and had 19 tackles for loss and 9 sacks in his career. Benton should be a first year starter and immediately upgrade the Steelers interior D-Line. The front three of Cam Heyward, Benton, and Larry Ogunjobi should be very stout.

This is Step Two of repairing the trenches.

Grade: A