Mike Tomlin says Steelers’ Keeanu Benton could be ‘dominant.’ Benton wants to prove him right
Mike Tomlin isn’t exactly known as the type of coach who freely dispenses praise for young players. So when in answering the 58th question asked of him during his season-ending news conference last week, Tomlin didn’t restrain in extolling rookie Keeanu Benton, it opened eyes.
“I think he’s capable of being dominant,” Tomlin said, “sooner rather than later.”
But what might come as even more encouraging to Pittsburgh Steelers fans – to say nothing of Tomlin – in regards to Benton blossoming into a star is what Benton himself said about a rookie season of his that left so many so excited about his potential.
“My biggest takeaway,” Benton said of his first NFL season, “is there’s a lot of work to be done.”
If Tomlin wasn’t already thrilled at the future prospects for Benton – and he was – then how delighted must he be to hear that his prodigious young defensive tackle is humble and hungry headed into Year 2.
“I know I need to be better with my football IQ in general,” Benton said two days after the Steelers’ season ended with a playoff loss at Buffalo. “It’d gotten better as the season went on, but that’s probably still the biggest place I
can expand. I’m still learning about this football IQ stuff, not that it’s the first time I’ve noticed it.
“You have to keep learning in this league.” It’s not acceptable to enter the NFL believing you are an expert. It’s important to savor each moment and not take anything for granted because it could end in an instant.
Not bad for a player ranked by Pro Football Focus as the third-best rookie defensive tackle in the NFL, behind only Jalen Carter of the Los Angeles Chargers and Kobie Turner of the strong defensive rookie of the year front-runner.
As a rookie defensive tackle, Benton’s pass-rushing ability was ranked second only to Carter’s, and altogether, he performed better than any interior defensive lineman who started for the Steelers in 2023.
On the nose tackle depth chart, Benton, for his part, made ten starts (including the postseason) and eventually overthrew Montravius Adams, who had started in his place during Adams’ three-game injury absence.
Tomlin expressed her excitement for the man’s future chances. “He’s incredibly gifted.”
Just prior to expressing how dominant he thinks Benton can be, Tomlin revealed that he had conducted a season-ending interview with Benton on Thursday.
“And so, the question is how quickly can we make that happen and what are our roles in doing so,” Tomlin said.
The second of the Steelers’ two second-round picks last year at No. 49 overall, Benton finished the regular season with 36 tackles (16 solo, one for loss), one sack, two batted-down passes and two forced fumbles. He added five more tackles in the playoff loss at the Bills.
Benton tied for third among rookie defensive tackles (DT) with seven, and he also led the Steelers defensive tackles in quarterback hits.
Benton claimed he has never encountered the infamous “rookie wall.”
Benton remarked, “People say it was gonna be the longest year of your life, but it went fast because I was having fun.”
The defensive line for the Steelers in 2023 was led by three veterans: Adams, Larry Ogunjobi, and Cameron Heyward. Adams is not restricted, and Heyward turns 35 in May. Since Benton is a 6-foot-4, 309-pound player, the Steelers might benefit from Tomlin’s “dominant” prognosis “sooner rather than later”—as early as 2024.
Benton feels that in order to go to the next level, he needs to spend the offseason literally in the film room, immersed in the playbook, and learning more.
Benton stated, “It’s not so much of a physical thing.” “I feel as though I am physically there. I’ve tossed men about. I’ve also been tossed around by guys. It will always be a struggle, regardless of how long you play in the league. Therefore, it’s more of a mental issue—just understanding what plays I can get hit with and keeping things from becoming too complicated or analytical in my head. I’m sure I can improve.
