The Pittsburgh Steelers have signed 2023 second-round pick Wisconsin DL Keeanu Benton to his four-year rookie contract, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
The contract signed by Benton should total out to right around $7,333,124 and include a signing bonus of roughly $2,333,180. Benton’s 2023 salary cap charge figures to come in at right around $1,333,295.
Benton’s deal includes the first two years of it definitely being fully guaranteed. As Rapoport notes, Benton received a percentage of guaranteed money in the third year of his deal, too, a first for someone picked at his draft slot. According to Daniel Salib, 8% of Benton’s third year base salary is guaranteed. That comes out to $113,332.
Benton, the 49th overall selection of this year’s draft, was someone we pegged as a perfect scheme fit throughout the pre-draft process. Standing in at 6036, 309 pounds with 33 7/8-inch arms, he had the height/weight/length Pittsburgh desires in a defensive lineman, measurables that are getting increasingly harder to find in the college game.
He was moderately productive in college, finishing with 81 tackles (19 TFL) and nine sacks to go along with two forced fumbles. In 2022, he racked up 36 tackles (10 TFL) and 4.5 sacks.
Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin told reporters after the pick was made that Benton would begin his career at nose tackle, though was open to the idea of moving him up and down the defensive line. On tape, Benton shows a well-rounded game against the run and the pass. He has burst and quick hands to defeat blocks off the ball and is able to disrupt and make plays in the backfield. He’ll need to become a more consistent player with his pad level and balance and may lack the high-end athleticism to become an excellent pass rusher.
You can read our full scouting report on him below.
First round pick OT Broderick Jones and second round pick CB Joey Porter Jr. remain the Steelers two unsigned draft picks.
