Steelers DL Keeanu Benton Definitely Has An Easier Path Than Joey Porter Jr. To Becoming An All-Pro In 2024

The Pittsburgh Steelers have always stuck to football's original roots, by running the football a lot and creating dominant defenses. While their last few seasons of late haven't been as forceful as they once were, their defense still remains as a top unit in the league, especially when they're fully healthy. Of course they have their experienced veterans in Cam Heyward, TJ Watt, and Minkah Fitzpatrick, but they also have a handful of young, rising stars that are going into their second year with a lot of optimism. 

Nick Herbig, Joey Porter Jr., and Keeanu Benton were all drafted no later than the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, and each made their presence felt on the field last season. Porter and Benton saw the most time on the field out of the defensive rookies last year, and their roles will only grow larger in 2024. 

Porter, the 32nd overall pick, eventually became Pittsburgh's best cornerback. Patrick Peterson and Levi Wallace struggled early in the season, and Porter seized his opportunity when the time came by making a game changing interception against the AFC North rival Baltimore Ravens. The 2023 season ended with Porter being a candidate for Defensive Rookie of the Year, but unfortunately, he did not receive enough votes to win the award. 

Benton entered last season as another second round pick for the Steelers. Behind Larry Ogunjobi, Benton had the highest snap count percentage on defense for defensive linemen with 42.87%. The former Wisconsin product didn't suffer any injuries and played all 17 games for the Black and Gold. Benton accounted for 484 snaps, averaging about 28 plays per game on defense. This comes as a surprise for some Steelers fans, considering Head Coach Mike Tomlin doesn't give rookies a ton of snaps early on. 

For example, Herbig, who was taken two draft selections from the Steelers after Benton, only saw 191 snaps on defense. Although of course, Herbig is playing behind Watt and Alex Highsmith, who are two of the top edge rushers in the league. Meanwhile, Benton earned more playing time on the defensive line while Heyward dealt with injuries. Benton was only able to record one sack last season, but was reliable in the rush defense and totaled 36 tackles. 

During the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's weekly episode of North Shore Drive, hosts Chris Carter and Adam Bittner discussed Pro Bowls and All-Pros. Carter asked Bittner aside from Heyward, Watt, and Fitzpatrick, who he could see becoming an All-Pro in 2024. 

"I'm going to go with Benton. I just think it's going to be so tough for Joey Porter Jr. to climb to that level of All-Pro, with all of the very solid corners in the NFL," Bittner said. "I think it would require him to kind of build on the statistical notoriety that he built last season. He'd have to be a true shutdown guy every single week, and that's just such a high bar. I think with Benton, the bar is just a little bit lower."

The crew also touched on the fact that the cornerback spot has so much talent around the league, that it'd be easier for Benton to stand out as a lineman as opposed to Porter as a corner. 

Steelers' Keeanu Benton Could Be The Future, Once Cam Heyward Moves On

The question about how much time Heyward has left continues to loom in the Steelers organization. He's remained as one of the best in the game for years, but after such a brutal 2023 season filled with injuries, his future is now majorly questioned. He skipped team activities early this offseason, hoping for a new contract. He and the Steelers haven't been able to agree on anything, which just makes the situation even more tricky. 

Benton is learning behind a great mentor in Heyward. Whether this is his last season, or he spends another three years in Pittsburgh, Heyward's time is unfortunately running out. The 2023 Walter Payton Man of the Year has become a fan favorite in the Steel City, and he could show Benton the way to becoming his successor. 

What do you think? Could we see Benton becoming an All-Pro in 2024? Comment below.

#SteelerNation