Arizona State Sun Devils defensive star Keyshaun Elliott is starting to generate serious buzz ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft, particularly for a skill set that often goes underappreciated — blitzing from the linebacker position. While he may not carry the same national hype as some top-tier prospects, evaluators are beginning to take notice of his production and instincts.
His ability to disrupt plays behind the line of scrimmage has made him a unique weapon in defensive schemes. With teams constantly searching for versatile defenders, Elliott’s profile can gain traction at the right time. Recent discussions on PFSN’s “Football Debate Club” have only amplified that momentum.
Keyshaun Elliott Emerges as NFL Draft’s Best Blitzing LB on Football Debate Club
During a recent episode, NFL draft analyst Ian Cummings highlighted Elliott’s exceptional efficiency as a blitzer, separating him from others in the class.
“I think the best pure off-ball linebacker as a blitzer is Keyshaun Elliott from Arizona State. On pass rushing reps, blitzing reps, he had an unbelievable, mind-boggling 68.2% win rate. He’s got four- five-eight speed at 6’2, 240. He’s got a 38-inch vertical. He had seven sacks this past year, too. The angle IQ, the rush awareness, the nuance, all of those things are there with him at a pure off-ball spot,” said Cummings.
Cummings’ evaluation points to Elliott’s rare combination of timing and athleticism when attacking the quarterback. His ability to read angles and exploit gaps makes him highly effective, and his win rate, in particular, underscores just how consistently he creates pressure.
Elliott’s journey to this point has also been notable. As outlined in PFSN’s scouting report, “Keyshaun Elliott is an intriguing mid-round LB prospect with a recognizable starter-level floor and exciting upside if he can keep building his frame.”
That progression reflects both development and adaptability — traits NFL teams value in mid-round prospects. The report further highlights his mental processing and range.
“He’s well-built and rangy tracking plays laterally, and he’s one of the best natural processors in the class, with elite processing, vision, and reaction-to-stimulus when encountering angle fluctuations. There are elements of Elliott’s game that still demand improvement.”
Those areas for improvement are also clearly defined. “Additionally, while Elliott has good coverage mobility and zone feel, his ball tracking and blind spot IQ leaves more to be desired…Elliott has the athletic and intangible qualities to be a potential mid-round gem and future quality starter at the LB position,” the scouting report noted.
From a production standpoint, He recorded an 83.4 score, ranking No. 13 overall with a B grade on the PFSN CFB LB Impact Metrics, while posting 7 sacks, 92 total tackles, and eight tackles for loss across 12 games.
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According to PFSN’s Consensus Big Board, he holds a 79.45 grade, ranking No. 236 overall and projecting as a Round 4-5 selection.
Elliott’s path to success in pro football will likely depend on how teams deploy him. His blitzing ability gives him immediate situational value, while his instincts and motor provide a foundation for further growth.
