Keionte Scott was one of the best defensive backs in all of college football during the 2025 season, and his scouting report looks at how productive he might be at the next level.
Keionte Scott 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report
Measurables:
Height- 5’11”
Weight- 193 lbs
Background:
Scott attended Helix High School in California and began his college career at Snow College. At Snow College, Scott was a two-time juco All-American and was named Co-Defensive Player of the Year in 2021. He transferred to Auburn in 2022 and appeared in 12 games his first season with the team, making an impact on both defense and as a punt returner on special teams. In 2023, Scott finished second on the team in solo tackles with 37 solo tackles and third on the team in total pass deflections with 5 pass deflections. After the 2024 season, he transferred to Miami (FL), where he was a key contributor in helping Miami have one of the best defenses in the country and helping the Hurricanes reach the National Championship game. Scott earned Second Team All-ACC honors.
Strengths:
Scott is an aggressive and high-motor defensive back. He excels in run support. Arguably the best run defense defensive back in this year’s draft class, he is a physical run defender who is quick to get downhill. Scott is a willing tackler with solid hit power and the ability to take on blockers. He is also an elite blitzer. Scott is an explosive athlete with great closing speed and good timing off the edge. He recorded five sacks during the 2025 season. In coverage, Scott does a good job reading the quarterback’s eyes. In off-man coverage, he has good burst to quickly close throwing windows and make plays on the ball.
Scott is also a big threat to turn a big play into an even bigger play after an interception. He has multiple seasons of experience as a returnman, and he turned both of his interceptions in 2025 into a pick-six. Scott has the ability to make an impact across the stat sheet. He had 64 total tackles, 13 tackles for loss, five sacks, five pass deflections, two interceptions, and two forced fumbles in the 2025 season.
Weaknesses:
Scott doesn’t have a ton of outside cornerback upside at the next level, and has below-average height and arm length for an outside corner. He can struggle against bigger and more physical wide receivers, and can get beaten vertically downfield in man coverage. Scott is also occasionally overaggressive and can over pursue and take bad angles at times, leading to some missed tackles.
Potential Team Fits:
NFL Projection:
Scott is a physical defender who plays the game with a high motor and great competitive toughness. He does not have elite man coverage ability and needs to limit the missed tackles, but Scott can make an impact in many different ways on defense. He has the skill set to be an impactful nickel or safety at the next level. Scott is an incredible run defender and blitzer who is able to consistently make plays near the line of scrimmage. In coverage, he also reads the quarterback’s eyes well and he has good overall playmaking ability with five sacks, two forced fumbles, and two pick-sixes during the 2025 season. Scott is a versatile defender who has the potential to be an impactful starter in the NFL.
Prospect Grade:
Late Second Round/Early Third Round
Main Photo: Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
