Pittsburgh Steelers players arrived at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, on Wednesday for Steelers training camp, and the newcomers stole the show. The media was quick to post photos and clips of players like DK Metcalf, Robert Woods, Jonnu Smith, and rookie first-round pick Derrick Harmon. But a returning player is drawing buzz for his jaw-dropping physique.
Brian Batko of Pittsburgh Sports Now dropped a photo of Steelers' third-year defensive tackle Keeanu Benton on X, and it immediately drew attention.
Batko joked that Benton was reporting to Steelers training camp for the 'best shape of my life' type of season. And that appears to be the case.
Benton entered the 2023 NFL Combine at 6'3 5/8'' and 309 pounds with 33 7/8'' arms. On the team's official website, Benton is listed at 6'4'' and 309 pounds. However, entering his third season, Benton looks like he's in the best shape of his career.
Keeanu Benton is primed for a breakout season with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2025
We know that it takes more than a great workout regimen for a player to have a breakout season in the NFL, but even before arriving at camp in terrific shape, Keeanu Benton was already a prime candidate for a massive breakout season.
Benton turned just 24 years old the week before the first Steelers camp practice, and his flashes were seen early and often on film. Unfortunately, this didn't equate to much box score success. Benton recorded just two sacks and three tackles for a loss in his first two seasons (34 games), and he needs to see an uptick in production this year.
That could very well happen in 2025. The Pittsburgh Steelers spent their first-round draft choice on Oregon defensive lineman Derrick Harmon. With an incredible size and athletic profile (6'4 1/2'' and 313 pounds with 4.95 speed), Harmon will slot in between Benton and T.J. Watt on defense and could help draw attention away from the Steelers' nose tackle.
With a suddenly loaded defensive front and Benton appearing to be in the best shape of his life for his age-24 season, the Pittsburgh Steelers could finally see a breakout year for their 2023 second-round pick in 2025.
