Keeanu Benton Headshot

Keeanu Benton


DT - Wisconsin

#95

INFO

CLASS: Senior
HEIGHT: 6'4"
WEIGHT: 309 lbs
ARM LENGTH: 33.9
HAND SIZE: 9.75

OVERVIEW

Benton would fill a similar role to Ika but finished his college career (including Senior Bowl week) on a much stronger note. He doesn't carry the same mass, but is easily big enough to do the dirty work inside against guards and centers. He showed off a pass rush package that effectively utilized both a swim move and club/rip.

Draft Team: PIT

BADGES

Priority Position
Scheme Fit
x2 Traits

TESTING RESULTS

40-Time
5.08s
10-Yard Split
1.79s
Broad Jump
9'3"
20-Yd Shuttle
4.65s
Three Cone
7.34s
Bench Press
25
Vertical
29.5"

* = unofficial measurement

SCOUTING REPORT

TRAITS

Dancing Bear

Bulldozer

PLAYER COMP
Kenny Clark
GRADE
2nd Round
SUMMARY

Keeanu Benton is a powerful interior disruptor with pass rush upside. In his final season at Wisconsin, Benton had 4.5 sacks and 10 tackles for loss. He also had a 83.5 pass rush grade according to PFF.

Physically, Benton is a classic big body, coming at 6'4" and 309 pounds at the combine. Benton has average to above average athleticism for an IDL of his size. His 7.34 three-cone is impressive and that surprising agility shows in his pass rush ability.

Benton can fulfill the responsibilities of a traditional early down IDL. He's operates his above average power but it's his hand technique and quickness in combination with that power that make him dangerous. Benton is okay at occupying blockers but his strength moreso lies in his ability to quickly swim or rip past IOLs and get into the backfield. That fits an attacking scheme, like the Jets', really well. When he does get engaged at the line, Benton is great at using his nearly 34-inch arms to keep IOLs controlled and is usually able to disengage quickly.

Because of his strong hand technique and his surprising agility, Benton has some intriguing pass rush ability. He has a powerful club and rip and even can throw in a smooth spin move every now and then. He got plenty of attention at Wisconsin from opposing offensive lines but when 1 on 1, Benton gave IOL a ton of trouble.

Benton can be a day 1 contributor in as 1 or 3 tech in a 4-3 scheme. A team like the Jets that runs a heavy rotation would be a huge bonus for a player like Benton as well as he gives maximum effort consistently.