Rebilas-Imagn Images With the No. 166 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears selected Arizona State linebacker Keyshaun ElliottzOriginally starting his collegiate career at New Mexico State, Elliott was an impact linebacker as a sophomore in 2023. He transferred to Arizona State in 2024, serving as a reliable contributor on defense during his final two seasons of collegiate eligibility.The Bears acquired Devin Bush to replace Tremaine Edmunds in their starting lineup, and they brought back Jack Sanborn after he spent a year away in Dallas. However, after bringing Elliott into the mix, they have a pretty crowded linebacker group.

He’ll compete with the likes of Sanborn, D’Marco Jackson, Noah Sewell, and Ruben Hyppolite II for a roster spot, though his status as a fifth-round rookie makes him a likely owner of a 53-man roster spot.As I’ve done since 2019, I put together a thread involving my analysis of each Bears draft selection, sharing some clips that highlight their strengths along the way. This year is certainly no different, so here’s my quick-hit evaluation of the Bears selecting Elliott in Round 5.THE NUMBERSHeight: 6’2”Weight: 231 poundsRAS: 8.742025 PFSN LB Impact Score: 83.3 (13th in the FBS)2025 tackles: 982025 tackles for a loss: 142025 sacks: 7List of accomplishments: 2023 second-team All-C-USA, two-time second-team All-Big 12THREAD: New #Bears LB Keyshaun Elliott is a hard hitter and a physical linebacker who brings good depth and special teams value.— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) April 25, 2026The name of the game with Keyshaun Elliott is physicality.He’s hard hitter who gets some nice pop with a low center of gravity, good play strength, and urgency as a downhill defender. #Bearspic.twitter.com/GxK7HMMHGd— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) April 25, 2026Keyshaun Elliott plays with a relentless motor.He doesn’t shy away from contact, and his effort chasing down ball carriers in the open field is seriously impressive. #Bearspic.twitter.com/32tCqDne84— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) April 25, 2026With low pad level and a physical edge, Keyshaun Elliott should provide instant value on special teams with how he takes on blocks.It also helps him as a blitzer. 7.0 sacks and 14.0 TFL in 2025. #Bearspic.twitter.com/7HOFZMQOpQ— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) April 25, 2026Here’s Keyshaun Elliott’s RAS card.

He tested a lot better than I expected, which points to athletic upside to tap into.I think Elliott is a true MIKE with limited range and coverage value. But he’s a certified ass kicker who will hit hard and play hard. #Bearspic.twitter.com/q2tXOTHc2f— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) April 25, 2026