The Pittsburgh Steelers selected defensive lineman Keeanu Benton in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft. As a rookie, Benton made an impact, starting nine games and recording two forced fumbles, two passes defensed, one sack, and 36 combined tackles. While it was a solid rookie season, Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin has high expectations for Benton to take a significant leap in his second year.
%202023%20Camp%20Final%20with%20Logos/2L9A7953-544x306.jpg "Steelers Cam Heyward Keeanu Benton")
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Steelers' Keeanu Benton (left) working with veteran Cam Heyward (right) during 2023 training camp.
Benton's potential is evident, and with the Steelers' defensive line aging, there is a need for younger players to step up, particularly as veteran Cam Heyward nears the latter stages of his career. Benton was brought in to be a key contributor, and after a year of acclimating to the NFL, Tomlin is looking for a breakout season from him in 2024.
As players reported to their dorm rooms for training camp on Wednesday, Tomlin addressed the media and was asked about his expectations for Benton in the upcoming season.
"Big things. Big things… He can grow in all areas... He's a talented young guy with tremendous upside and room for growth in all areas," said Tomlin.
Tomlin was clear in his response, emphasizing the importance of Benton's development and the need for him to play a crucial role in the defensive line's future.
Tomlin highlighted Benton's work ethic and growth over the past year, expressing confidence that Benton is ready to take on a more significant role. The Steelers leader also mentioned the importance of consistency and leadership, noting that Benton has the potential to become a cornerstone of the defense. With his blend of size, strength, and agility, Benton has the tools to be a disruptive force on the line, and the Steelers are eager to see him build on his rookie season.
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Steelers DL Keeanu Benton (95) going for a tackle on Browns' Nick Chubb.
The Steelers' coaching staff and fans alike are excited to see how Benton progresses in his sophomore campaign. His development will be closely watched as the team prepares for the challenges of the 2024 season. As the defensive line looks to maintain its dominance, Benton's growth will be crucial in ensuring the Steelers' defense remains one of the league's best.
The Steelers defense is one of the highest-paid units in the NFL, making Benton a valuable asset on a rookie deal. Benton's contributions will be crucial for a defense widely regarded as one of the league's best. With playmakers at every level, the Steelers defense is expected to be a formidable force, capable of holding its own in the highly competitive AFC North, a division loaded with offensive talent.
The 2024 season promises to be a challenging one for the Steelers, with a brutal schedule that will test the defense's mettle. The games will be gritty, and the defense will need to perform at an elite level to withstand the offensive firepower they will face.
As training camp progresses, Steelers fans will gain more clarity on how the depth chart will shape up, particularly in the defensive line rotation. The anticipation is high for the 2024 season, as the Steelers boast one of their strongest rosters in recent years.
Steelers Eager To Re-Enter Super Bowl Conversations
The Steelers are determined to end their playoff win drought and re-enter the Super Bowl conversation. With a blend of seasoned veterans and promising young talent like Benton, the team has the potential to be a dominant force in the NFL.
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Steelers' Keeanu Benton sticks his tongue out while running on the field.
As the season approaches, the focus will be on building chemistry, fine-tuning the defense, and ensuring that the team is prepared to compete at the highest level. The Steelers have the tools to make a serious run, and the time is now for Pittsburgh to reclaim its place among the NFL's elite teams.
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