Mock drafts will be ever-present the next few months. The Pittsburgh Steelers have been linked to cornerbacks, offensive and defensive linemen, linebackers and even wide receivers throughout the first few weeks of the off-season. It's anyone's guess who or what position the front office will go after early on in the draft, but there are still seven rounds and the organization is picking in all but one of them. Finding talent in the later rounds is critical to having a good draft and several members of the staff are at the 2023 Senior Bowl scouting talent.
Steelers head coach, Mike Tomlin talks to reporters after a practice during 2022 training camp at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA. | Credit: Jordan Schofield/SteelerNation (@JSKO_PHOTO Twitter)
Which Defensive Linemen Free Agents Should The Steelers Target in The 2023 Off-Season?
Cameron Heyward, Montravius Adams, Isaiahh Loudermilk and DeMarvin Leal are currently the only four defensive linemen from the active roster returning in 2023, which means the team will certainly be looking to bolster the room after the new league year begins in March. Free agency and the draft are both potential routes to go.
According to Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reporter, Ray Fittipaldo, head coach, Mike Tomlin met with a bruiser of a defensive lineman recently at the 2023 Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama.
Wisconsin DT Keeanu Bennett said his favorite interviews with NFL head coaches this week were with Mike Tomlin and Mike Vrabel. Bennett said Tomlin let him know he was on the Steelers radar.
— Ray Fittipaldo (@rayfitt1) February 1, 2023
Fittipaldo got the 6'4", 315-pound defensive lineman's name wrong (and corrected it later) as it is Keeanu Benton, but regardless, he is a large, bull rush type of interior lineman who the Steelers could use on the inside alongside Heyward.
Wisconsin nose tackle, Keeanu Benton celebrates a fumble recovery against Iowa on Sept. 30. | Credit: Mark Hoffman / Milwaukee Journal Sentinal
Benton had an awesome 2022 season and absolutely helped his draft stock after having 10 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks for Wisconsin. Heading into the year, he only had nine career tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks in his first three seasons. Pittsburgh needs help in this area and as he is currently projecting in the third round range, he might be a perfect fit at #80.
The Steelers were one of the worst fourth down defenses in the NFL in 2022 and having more of a enforceable front of the defensive side will be critical to stopping teams that are aggressive on short fourth down situations. The unit also struggled with fatigue late in games and opponents' rushing attacks were able to dominate on the ground and close out games.
Benton's size speaks for itself, but he has extremely raw strength and power to go along with an incredible presence against the run. His improved pass rush in 2022 is just another reason to buy into his readiness to play at the next level. He decided to stay at Wisconsin for his senior year and put in the work, leading to him now being on the Steelers, and other teams, radars.
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive captains, TJ Watt (#90) and Cam Heyward (#97) participate during 2022 training camp in Latrobe, PA. | Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Depth is a key piece on the defensive line and it's something that the Steelers don't necessarily have right now heading into the off-season. With needs elsewhere, having the opportunity to select a guy with as much potential at Benton in the mid-rounds could be a huge win for Pittsburgh come April.
Would you be happy if Benton remains on the organization's radar and is drafted in April? Let us know in the comments below!
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