The 2023 NFL Scouting Combine is underway in Indianapolis, Indiana as the top prospects seek to improve their stock ahead of next month’s NFL draft. Each player can show off their physical talents and express themselves openly to the media as the world gets a chance to learn about the future stars.
Wisconsin defensive tackle Keeanu Benton stood out with the Badgers throughout his four seasons in Madison. Benton was named to Third-Team All-Big 10 last season following a second-team placement in 2021.
Chiefs Wire’s Ed Easton Jr. spoke with Benton about his friendship and respect for current Chiefs linebacker and former Badgers teammate Leo Chenal.
“Yeah, that was awesome, man,” Benton said. “I like, Leo (Chenal). That’s my guy. We were in the same pod, almost locker neighbors, but he turned it up and I’m proud of him for that. And then you go on Instagram and see him doing the pull-up on the bus and stuff, and I’m like, ‘He’s an animal.’ He’s a different animal, and I’m glad he got a ring off his first year, and I just hope he keeps going.”
#Wisconsin DT Keeanu Benton says he will formally meet with the #Chiefs later today.
He maintains a strong friendship with his former college teammate Leo Chenal #NFLCombine #ChiefsKingdom pic.twitter.com/qHwgrtVr18
— Ed Easton Jr. (@EdEastonJr) March 1, 2023
Benton admitted that he has a meeting scheduled with the Chiefs on Wednesday afternoon, so there appears to be an interest in reuniting the former Badgers teammates. The 21-year-old revealed that he has plans to play in the league for a long time while media members gathered at his podium.
“Yeah, I would just say, me lasting,” said Benton. “I want to play for at least five, seven years somewhere in there. So just being coachable, seeing myself still develop skills that I know that I have deep down, and try to really figure out how high my ceiling is. I haven’t figured that out yet. So just taking on information from the vets and information from people who’ve been there before. I just really want to see how long I can go with this thing.”
Benton could be another exciting prospect to be added to the Chiefs’ defensive line in 2023. The 6-foot-4 and 317-pound defensive tackle finished the 2022 college football season at Wisconsin with 36 total tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks and 28 total pressures. The Badgers’ goal-line stand against Minnesota was particularly impressive and stood as one of Benton’s favorite plays.
