The 2023 NFL offseason is here and that means it’s time for mock drafts, draft profiles and everything that goes with them. So without further ado, here’s one of many Draft Profiles for the 2023 NFL draft.
Keeanu Benton, DT. Wisconsin
HT: 6’4
WT: 309 lbs
Accolades:
• 36 career starts
• 2022 Honors: Third-Team All-Big 10
• 2021 Honors: Second-Team All-Big 10
• Honorable mention All-Big 10
• 2020 Honors: Academic All-Big 10
Video:
Pros:
• Plays with leverage at the point of attack whether inside or outside. Keeps eyes in the backfield when inside; moves linemen to either side with strong hands.
• Benton has pure power, which is emphasized by a good pad level. Benton can stand up at the point of attack and handle double teams, and Benton also has the ability to drive blockers back into the pocket with a bull rush.
• Delivers a strong punch and uses his hands to shed blocks to make plays in the hole or outside the box. Uses lower-body strength to anchor inside.
• Delivers a strong punch and uses his hands to shed blocks to make plays in the hole or outside the box. Uses lower-body strength to anchor inside.
• Provides some secondary interior pass rush, getting most penetration when playing three technique.
• He’s long but has a powerful lower body and plays with impressive leverage considering his tall frame.
Cons:
• Benton doesn’t have a lot of suddenness to his game, and Benton won’t wreck plays on a regular basis.
• He’s squat and short, and he will have a tough time warding off blockers as a pass rusher.
• Plays too high at times, and gets carried downfield or put to the ground by better lineman when losing the leverage battle.
Summary:
Benton boosted his stock at the Senior Bowl. Despite being a stocky player he’s shown surprising quickness and previously unseen pass-rush moves. He’s moving up some team’s boards.
Information in this article first appeared on NFL Draft Buzz and is used with permission. Find the latest coverage, analysis, and player rankings for the 2023 NFL Draft at nfldraftbuzz.com
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