Former New Mexico State linebacker Keyshaun Elliott had a resurgent senior season at Arizona State in 2025, and he may have done enough in recent weeks to ensure that he’ll hear his name called in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Elliott was an All-Conference USA pick at New Mexico State in 2023 and again earned all-conference honors as the leader of the Sun Devils’ defense last season. His 301 career tackles suggest he has a nose for the ball, and Elliott has played in 52 games since 2022, so experience isn’t an issue.
Some scouts have questioned if he has the athleticism and instincts to consistently make plays in the NFL, but Elliott put many of those fears to rest at Arizona State’s Pro Day.
New Customer Offers at BetMGM
Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days. One New Customer Offer Only. Add’l Terms
Keyshaun Elliott NFL Draft Projection
I project Elliott will be selected in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
The Indianapolis Colts, Baltimore Ravens, and Dallas Cowboys would all be a good fit. The Ravens have been open about their desire to add a run-stuffing linebacker on Day 3 of the draft.
Keyshaun Elliott’s 40 Time & Pro Day Results
Elliott ran the 40 in 4.6 seconds at his pro day.
He was invited to the NFL Combine, but he did not run the 40-yard dash, which further concerned scouts who were already worried about his lack of athleticism.
Elliott did post a 10-foot, 5-inch broad jump, which ranked No. 3 among linebackers at the combine. He also posted a 38-inch vertical leap and 21 reps on the bench press.
Elliott needed to show teams at Arizona State’s Pro Day that he has the athleticism to compete in the NFL. He did that and more with his 40 time.
The 22-year-old checked in at 6-foot-1 and 231 pounds at the combine.
Keyshaun Elliott’s Stats & Highlights
Elliott played in all 12 games his freshman year at New Mexico State, but he really burst onto the scene in 2023. He earned second-team All-Conference USA honors that season with team highs in tackles (111) and tackles for loss (10.5). He also added 2.5 sacks and six pass breakups.
Elliott transferred to Arizona State in 2024, but he made just eight starts that year and finished the season with 65 tackles and two sacks.
His senior year was a different story. Elliott was named second-team All-Big 12 after leading the Sun Devils with 14 tackles for loss and seven sacks. He was No. 2 on the team with 98 tackles (54 solo).
Where Is Keyshaun Elliott From?
Elliott is from Richmond, Missouri, where he starred at Richmond High as a quarterback, linebacker, and punter. He finished his high school career with 128 touchdowns on offense and 180 tackles and 20 sacks on defense.
Keyshaun Elliott Draft Profile
Elliott showed last season that he could compete at college football’s highest level, and he had a productive enough career to earn a spot in the draft.
The question is where exactly does he fit in an NFL system? He was solid against the run last season, but he’s not big enough to play in traffic at the next level. He’s also not quite athletic enough to consistently track ball carriers down in space as a true off-ball linebacker.
Elliott has a proven track record as a productive tackler, and he definitely improved his draft stock at Arizona State’s Pro Day. But with no clear-cut positional value, teams drafting him will be rolling the dice on his potential more so than his fit.
