Steelers' Keeanu Benton on board with Mike Tomlin's 'big' expectations

The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted defensive lineman Keeanu Benton in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, and the Wisconsin product showed flashes in his opportunities over 17 games (nine starts) last season.

But the Steelers are looking for Benton to take that next step in 2024, as he figures to grab a starting role out of training camp on a defense that should be among the league's elite this coming season.

One person who is expecting "big things" from Benton is head coach Mike Tomlin, who said as much earlier this week.

“Big things,” Tomlin said . “Big things. He can grow in all areas. He’s a talented young guy with tremendous upside and room for growth in all areas.”

And Benton isn't shying away from those expectations, as he shares Tomlin's view.

"That makes two of us," Benton said in response to Tomlin's comment before noting that "big things" means, "Just an improvement from last year."

"I feel like (my development) got handled during the offseason," Benton added. "Now it's just putting the pieces together and getting to play ball again."

As expected, Benton has been playing with the first-team defense in training camp thus far. He has a fantastic opportunity to break out in 2024 with the kind of talent he'll have around him, which will give him no shortage of favorable matchups.