VDT: Wisconsin DT Keeanu Benton Plays Like a Wrecking Ball
Josh Frey
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The Minnesota Vikings lost one of their steadiest starters on the defensive side of the ball in DT Dalvin Tomlinson this offseason. As a result, it seems likely that one of the position groups that Minnesota could target in April’s draft is the interior defensive line.
That brings us to Wisconsin DT Keeanu Benton, who is the focus of today’s edition of Vikings Draft Thermometer series, PurplePTSD‘s one-stop shop for all your 2023 NFL Draft needs. Throughout this series, we have examined a number of prospects ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft, analyzing their strengths, weaknesses, what exactly their role could be at the NFL level, and most importantly, whether or not they could end up playing their first NFL snaps in a Vikings uniform.
Background
- Height: 6’4″
- Weight: 309 pounds
- Arm Length: 33 7/8″
- Hand Size: 9 3/4″
- 40-Yard Dash: 5.08 seconds
- 10-Yard Split: 1.79 seconds
- Vertical Jump: 29 1/2″
- Broad Jump: 9’3″
- 3-Cone: 7.34 seconds
- 20-Yard Shuttle: 4.65 seconds
- Bench Press: 25 reps
- School: Wisconsin
- Games Watched: Ohio State (2022), Illinois (2022), Maryland (2022), Minnesota (2022)
Statistics
- 2019: 12 tackles, 4 TFLs, 2 sacks (8 games)
- 2020: 9 tackles, 2 FFs (7 games)
- 2021: 24 tackles, 5 TFLs, 2.5 sacks, 2 passes defended, 2 FRs (12 games)
- 2022: 36 tackles, 10 TFLs, 4.5 sacks, 2 passes defended (12 games)
Strengths
When you think of massive, overpowering nose tackles, Keeanu Benton fits right into the mold of that typical NFL archetype. He explodes through the line of scrimmage and uses brute force to knock opposing centers and guards off-balance right from the snap.
These types of interior defensive linemen usually make themselves known in the running game, but Benton also has a knack for beating pass protection as well, recording 7 sacks over the past two seasons for the Badgers.
Finally, he is one of the more experienced defensive line prospects as well considering he’s been a starter for the majority of his collegiate career, making six starts during his freshman season of 2019.
Weaknesses
Benton’s athletic ability certainly leaves something to be desired, and especially against mobile QBs, he will struggle at the NFL level to finish sacks if he makes his way into the pocket. He is a bit inconsistent in terms of his ability to create leverage as well. Perhaps part of this has to do with his motor, but sometimes he plays a bit too high in the trenches, allowing offensive linemen to drive him backwards.
Additionally, Benton may not receive Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s vote because he is purely an A-gap player. He won’t be nearly as effective further outside on the defensive line where he is forced to go against more athletic offensive linemen and tackle in space.
NFL Projection
- Draft Round: Mid Second-Early Third
- Immediate Role: Starting NT
- Best-Case Scenario: Linval Joseph
- Vikings Draft Temperature: 25
If the Vikings sign another veteran cornerback and trade down in the draft in order to acquire more picks, this becomes a much likelier target for Minnesota. However, as of now, the 23rd overall pick is a bit early for Benton, and he probably will be off the board by the time the 87th pick rolls around. On top of that, Minnesota has glaring needs elsewhere other than nose tackle.
Regardless, Benton is a talented prospect, and with a little bit of development, he could wreak havoc across the league for whichever team he lands on.
Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho with a bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys running, gaming, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.