Bears NFL Draft 2026: Chicago selects Keyshaun Elliott, Arizona State, LB
The Bears go defense again with MLB Keyshaun Elliott from Arizona State.
TEMPE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 26: Arizona State Sun Devils linebacker Keyshaun Elliott (44) reacts to a big play during the college football game between the TCU Horned Frogs and the Arizona State Sun Devils on September 26, 2025 at Mountain America Stadium in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Kevin Abele/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images With the 166th pick in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft , the Chicago Bears have selected Arizona State linebacker Kehshaun Elliott. Elliot (6’1 3/4″, 231 pounds) started for the last three plus years, the last two at Arizona State, and while with the Sun Devils, he was the defensive play caller with the green dot at the Mike.
He was Second Team All-Big 12 in 2025 with 98 tackles, a team-leading 14. 5 tackles for loss, and a team-leading 7 sacks. He’s a physical player within the box, but his pursuit speed and coverage skills aren’t the best.
He didn’t run at the Combine, but he hit a 4. 58 forty at his pro day. “Elliott must prove his value on passing downs,” writes The Athletic’s Dane Brugler , “but his instincts and football character are attractive qualities for what NFL teams desire at middle linebacker.
” We’ll stream our breakdown/reaction video of the selection right after the draft, so check it out here as soon as it’s published on our 2nd City Gridiron channels.