Steelers' Keeanu Benton Will Likely Continue To Anchor Middle Of Defensive Line In 2025

The Pittsburgh Steelers entered the 2025 NFL Draft with the defensive line as a positional need. Well, the Steelers have seemed to address that issue by taking Derrick Harmon with the 21st pick in Round 1 and now Yahya Black with the 164th pick in Round 5. Harmon and Black will add depth to the defensive line core, bringing extra bodies to help against the run specifically. While playing for the Iowa Hawkeyes, Black wasn't much of a pass rusher, only capturing 5.5 sacks during his five seasons. The Steelers will not expect much from Black in pressuring the quarterback, but he will be a key piece in clogging up lanes in the run game. 

Black will be capable of playing many different techniques in the Steelers' defensive scheme. He will be able to play three technique, four technique, and even nose tackle. Black will play a pivotal role in the Steelers' defensive line rotation. He is massive; his measurements at the NFL Combine have him standing at 6'6" and 336 pounds with a seven-foot wingspan. Black's size could make him a nightmare for offensive linemen, especially in the running game. Black's wingspan also allows him to play throwing lanes well and to pile up on ball swats. While at Iowa, Black had 11 pass deflections, which is another key element for defensive linemen to have when they aren't great pass rushers. 

During the post-pick conference, Steelers defensive line coach, Karl Dunbar, explained how Black would fit into the group. 

"I think he's going to play a four technique. He can play nose, but I think we have a pretty good nose tackle on staff right now (Keeanu Benton)," said Dunbar.

It appears the Steelers have no interest in moving Keeanu Benton from nose tackle. During the 2024 NFL season, Benton took 641 snaps at nose tackle. 

Dunbar continued when asked if Benton would be moved from nose tackle to three technique. 

"Keeanu plays three technique when we go to our sub package, and he plays great over guards," said Dunbar. "In our 3-4 structure, he plays nose tackle, and I think Yahya and Derrick have the length to play four technique, and I really like Keeanu where he is right now. And bring these guys up in that B gap and give them the opportunity to do that."

Benton has been consistent as the Steelers' nose tackle. In his two NFL seasons, he has almost identical stats in both years. Things can change throughout an NFL season, but as of now, it doesn't appear that Harmon or Black will be moving Benton away from the nose tackle position. Training camp should tell fans more as that will approach this summer.

Steelers' Defensive Line Will Be A Nightmare For Opponents

During the 2024 season, statistically, the Steelers had one of the best run-stopping defenses. The Steelers allowed the sixth-fewest total rushing yards, yards per attempt, and yards per game in the NFL last year. Pittsburgh's defense allowed 1,678 rushing yards, 4.1 yards per carry, and 98.7 yards per game. The Steelers' defense was one of seven to allow fewer than 100 yards per game. However, things fell apart towards the end of the season.

With the picks of Harmon and Black, the Steelers plan to continue having success against the run for the next few years. The Steelers' bread and butter is their defense, and by bringing in Harmon and Black, the team seems to continue living by the league motto, "defense wins championships." Pittsburgh has had a championship-caliber defense for many years, but has struggled on the offensive side to move the ball. With the offensive acquisitions during the offseason however, the Steelers are putting together a complete team offensively and defensively. 

Steeler Nation, how do you feel about the newly acquired defensive linemen? Do you like the picks, and do you think they will contribute to the defensive success from day one? Let us know in the comments below!

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