Let’s get ready for this week’s 2023 NFL Draft. We have you covered with all of our NFL Draft Scouting Reports & Prospect Profiles for this year’s class. Here’s a look at Keeanu Benton.
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2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Keeanu Benton (DL – Wisconsin)
Keeanu Benton (DL – Wisconsin)
6’3″ – 312 lbs.
Background:
Wisconsin native who started six games at nose tackle as a true freshman, totaling 245 snaps on the season and posting 12-4.0-2.0. Rotated in sparingly the following year (nine tackles), then took over the starting nose tackle job in 2021, finishing with 24-5.0-2.5 that year and increasing his output to 36-10.0-4.5 the following season to conclude his collegiate career.
Positives:
Massive nose tackle with over two years of starting experience for one of the most respected programs in the country, usually playing either the zero- or one-technique nose position. Carries his weight well. Shows impressive suddenness out of his stance for such a big man, with quick feet and good overall flexibility. Plays with a sense of urgency and has a high level of activity in his hands. Able to dig in at the line of scrimmage against double-teams. Shows pretty good awareness to consistently flow in the play direction. Outside of normal rotation, often remained on the field on passing downs, and is surprisingly effective at generating pressure for a player with his size. Mixes up his approach as a pass-rusher; uses a nice push-pull move to penetrate, but there’s variety to his approach. Gets his hands up to contest passing lanes.
Negatives:
On the tall side for a pro nose tackle, and overall pad level can be a little bit high, tending to get upright out of his stance. Can be a bit of a leaner at times, leading to some balance issues. Generally doesn’t disengage from blocks very quickly in the run game. Has an above-average closing burst for his size, but overall range in pursuit is limited. Occasionally has more of a rush-first mentality that can undermine run fits. Relies much more on his quickness/suddenness than power, with a finesse style to generating pressure; would be nice to see him firing out low and collapsing the pocket with his bull-rush more often.
Summary:
An interesting prospect in that his size and lower-body strength would suggest a two-gap nose tackle who can control blockers in the run game, resetting the line of scrimmage with his power, but is actually more of a finesse player who uses his quickness, suddenness, and hands to try and create disruption. With more discipline in his run fits and more of a dedication to using his bull rush to attack opponents, could work his way onto the field on early downs, but might actually be better suited as an interior pass rusher at the moment. Appears likely to be among the top hundred picks on draft day.
Projection: Round 2-3
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