The official 2023 NFL draft thread (no spoilers)

Coach does not care about the opinions of the peanut gallery.

 

Finally a guy who can clog up the middle. I got tired of seeing RBs gashing the Steelers D right up the middle.

 

There goes Dexter

 

No

 

https://www.nfldraftbuzz.com/Player/Keeanu-Benton-NT-Wisconsin

Scouting Report: Strengths

• Former wrestler who brings his skills to the gridiron - you can see the skill as he wins with leverage and outstanding hand use
• 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.
• Very experienced prospect who has been in the starting lineup all four years at Wisconsin
• Impressive raw power - is a mismatch for smaller blockers
• High motor player - who never seems to tire
• Powers through blocks taking a wide base- has an impressive anchor - will not be driven backward
• 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
• Displays an impressive swim move - excellent inside beating guards and getting to the QB
• 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 as a three-technique.
• He’s long but has a powerful lower body and plays with impressive leverage considering his frame.
• He really improved as a pass rusher in 2022 where he made 6 sacks - more than all his previous years combined

Scouting Report: Weaknesses

• Benton doesn’t have a lot of suddenness to his game, and won’t wreck plays on a regular basis.
• While he possesses nice raw power - it doesn't translate to explosive play
• His initial burst is only average - and won't win with speed
• At 6-4 he doesn't get low enough and you'll see lineman taking advantage of this by getting under his pads
• While his hands are technically sound and strong - they aren't fast leading to blockers able to win with a quick first move
• Hips are a little stiff. May be limited to a three-tech or a NT
• Plays too high at times, and gets carried downfield or put to the ground by better lineman when losing the leverage battle

Scouting Report: Summary
Keeanu Benton was prior to 2022 viewed as just a run-stuffing space eater, however after displaying significant improvement throughout the season and putting up some serious pressure as a pass rusher he began to be seen as a complete player and a potential difference-maker at the next level. He's an impressive wrap-up tackler with elite raw power who is a major asset as an interior run defender as he often requires double-teaming and now presents as a prospect who's nearly as impressive as an interior pass-rusher.
Benton is however limited athletically, is neither quick nor fast and sometimes looks a little lumbering in his movement and his lateral movement is just average.

As a player that can clog the lanes in the run game and offers some pass-rush ability Benton's skill set will always be in demand - expect him to last no later than the third round of the 2023 NFL draft.

 

There are still about 20 players I like for pick 80.

 

Omar? Is that you??

 

You're trying to act like he's weak for only doing 25 reps, Daniel Jeremiah had Benton in his top 40 players, find something else to complain about .

 

Now for a Center….

 

Man… khan killing it

 

The NT is essentially a dead position in the NFL, since it is 2023 and not 2003...he will play DT in a rotation with Cam, Larry, and Leal. The Steelers will continue to run a modified Nickel (3-3-5) as their base like most other NFL teams in the modern NFL. For the Steelers that typically consists of 2 x DT and 1 of the EDGE guys in a down position.

 

Can't say the Steelers neglected all the positions that we thought they should take.

 

So we end up with more players of a lesser caliber

 

From your lips to gods ears.

And SOME people would still be unhappy. I hope the other teams think he was already picked.

 

I am hoping his wrestling background has his balance skill through the roof, so he can use his opponents strength against him.

 

I'll take 4 x quality players in rounds 1-3 over lesser players taken in rounds 4-7. Not saying that quality players don't come from those rounds, but they essentially got 2 x first round talents this year in Jones and Porter Jr.

 

Hopefully you understand that there’s a whole lot more involved than how much a guy benched.

 

Trade both 7th rounders and move up any where they can to try and get him.

I’m not joking! Otherwise the leap from my 2nd floor might not do the trick and hurt a whole hell of a lot!

 

He would have to be outstanding to do so. Ogunjobi is very good at the point of attack. His big issue is health.

 

I didn't want Him at 17, but at 49, or 80....I'd take Him twice.

 

Like this pick also.

Still looking at the glaring hole at MLB but I do understand not reaching in a generally weak class

 

LoL. LoL

 

Am I on the right board? People liking picks? No one has criticized Tomlin in two days! Where the hell are sdot and bennielava? Dammit we need some negativity around here!

 

Steelers fans will whine about the draft. This is a given.