Grading The Pick: Dennis Allen continues adding to the linebacker position with Keyshaun Elliott, who brings more downhill violence to Chicago
The Chicago Bears continue adding to the defense in Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft by adding another linebacker to the second level of the unit in Arizona State’s Keyshaun Elliott.
The Chicago Bears have now addressed every position on the defensive side of the ball outside of the defensive line in the 2026 NFL Draft with the latest selection of Arizona State linebacker Keyshaun Elliott in the fifth-round.
Dane Brugler of The Athletic had a third-round grade on Elliott and praised his maturity and leadership in the Sun Devils’ locker room. Arizona State was one of the few Pro Days that general manager Ryan Poles attended in the pre-draft process.
Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen has now added four linebackers to the room this offseason in Elliott, Devin Bush, D’Marco Jackson and Jack Sanborn. Last year, the Bears also drafted Ruben Hyppolite II in the fourth-round.
What the Bears are getting in Arizona State linebacker Keyshaun Elliott
“Keyshaun Elliott is another talented linebacker in a top notch class. Slightly undersized, Elliott tested explosively with a 38″ vertical jump and a 10-5 broad jump. He spent two years at New Mexico State, and thrived once he got to Arizona State. There are some speed limitations, but he makes up with it using his high football IQ. Overall, Elliott has potential to be a starter down the line with immediate special teams ability.”
The trait that really excites Chicago’s staff, outside of his character, is his violent downhill trigger after totaling seven sacks in 2025. Does that sound familiar yet? Elliott plays with confidence on the field and was the QB of the defense for the Sun Devils.
Adding another linebacker to the room creates a ton of competition, which has been another draft theme. We still didn’t even mention veteran T.J. Edwards, who received an extension from the team last offseason and is currently rehabbing from a fractured fibula.
Elliott is super productive and a great leader. Over time, he could easily develop into a green dot player for this defense and take over Edwards’ role. Very much a Dennis Allen type player but at a loaded position, so it’d be hard to see him carve out a role in 2026.
Grade: B
