The 2026 NFL Draft has some downboard talent available, and Keyshaun Elliott is a name to watch for. Elliott stands out as one of the most productive, instinctive, and reliable tacklers in this class. Although he will likely hear his name called on Day 3, there’s potential here to be got. Keyshaun has evolved into a tackling machine with a non-stop motor that will endear him to coaching staffs. He brings proven production, physicality, and a chance to grow into a three-down starter.
Measurables
Height: 6’2″
Weight: 231 pounds
Arms: 31 1/4″
Hands: 9 1/4″
40-yard: 4.58
Vertical: 38″
Broad jump: 10’5″
School: Arizona State
Position: linebacker
Keyshaun Elliott NFL Draft Overview
Elliott arrived at New Mexico State in 2022 as a developmental prospect and immediately earned snaps. He posted 27 tackles as a freshman before racking up 111 tackles, with 10 tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks. Elliott transferred to Arizona State ahead of the 2024 season. There, he recorded 65 tackles, 4.0 tackles for loss, two sacks, and an interception. In 2025, Elliott became a starter. He then put together a breakout campaign, leading the Sun Devils with 98 tackles (54 solo), 14.0 tackles for loss, and seven sacks. Over his collegiate career, he has 301 tackles, 18 TFL, and nine sacks across 52 games.
Strengths:
- Prototypical inside linebacker frame that can take on blockers and absorb punishment
- Solid instincts in the run game that lead to good decisions
- Can deliver a shot working within the box
- Possesses an extremely high motor with an aggressive demeanor on every snap
- Can blitz from the interior effectively and separate from blockers
- Shows the willingness to scrap it out with blockers to keep his ground
Weaknesses:
- Capped athleticism keeps him from being a sideline-to-sideline head-hunter
- Lacks fluidity for coverage and can get turned around by receiving options
- Instincts sometimes lead to a quick choice with a poor angle
- Recovery speed is limited, so if he misdiagnoses, he can be lost for the down
- Will sometimes find the block rather than avoid it
Projection: Round 6
Best Fits: Pittsburgh Steelers, New England Patriots, Houston Texans, Arizona Cardinals
Bottom Line on Keyshaun Elliott
Keyshaun Elliott may not be the flashiest linebacker in the 2026 class, but his production, instincts, and physicality give him a shot to make a roster. He understands his limitations and works around them with instincts and positioning, but a lack of speed and length will create smaller margins for error as a pro. With the right coaching and scheme fit, Elliott’s high-motor style and tackling ability could get him on the field early in subpackage football. Keyshaun gives his all on every snap and works through the whistle, which will translate to the locker room and gain notice from the coaching staff.
Keyshaun athletically profiles similar to Jack Kiser out of Notre Dame. There’s a good enough skill set here for a career as a professional, but it does come with a capped ceiling. However, given the opportunity, there’s a situational defender here waiting to be utilized. He may not become a true starting linebacker. But having reliable, high-energy depth at the position is never a bad thing.
