Wisconsin Badgers DT Keeanu Benton is heading to Pittsburgh. Mike De Sisti / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK

Steelers beef up defensive line with versatile run-stuffer

By Aaron Becker | Last updated 4/28/23

The Steelers continue to build their trenches this offseason, but this time, the focus has switched to the defensive line.

With pick No. 49 in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, Pittsburgh selected Wisconsin defensive lineman Keeanu Benton.

Benton, 21, brings some much-needed youth to the Steelers' aging defensive line. He has 60 tackles, seven sacks and four passes defensed from 2021-22.

Keanu Benton is a run stuffing interior defensive lineman who fits the classic Steelers defense.

He’s got a serious get off.

But in today’s NFL this hit on the QB may get him ejected. pic.twitter.com/plpRMzWdYG
— Mike Nicastro (@MikedUpSports1) April 29, 2023

The 6-foot-4, 309-pound Wisconsin product has the ability to play anywhere along the defensive line.

"Benton possesses a nice blend of quicks, power, length and strength that allows him to fill any role along the defensive interior," Pro Football Focus writes.

Pittsburgh now has one of the more talented defensive lines in the league with the likes of Cameron Heyward and Larry Ogunjobi, and Benton could see some playing time right away at nose tackle.

The Steelers signed free agents Breiden Fehoko and Armon Watts, who will also battle it out for starting nose tackle, but Benton certainly brings much higher upside.

The selection makes even more sense as DT Cameron Heyward, who turns 34 in May, isn't getting any younger. It's a reality many Steelers fans don't want to think about, but Benton brings insurance to the position for whenever Heyward decides to hang up his cleats.

More must-reads: