CHICAGO — The Chicago Bears have done it again. In a draft class already generating significant buzz, general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus may have just pulled off their most stunning heist yet, selecting Arizona State linebacker Keshan Elliott with the 166th overall pick in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft. The pick, announced late Saturday afternoon, has sent shockwaves through the league’s scouting community, with multiple draft analysts immediately labeling it one of the biggest value grabs of the entire three-day event. Elliott, a player many projected to come off the board as early as the third round, fell deep into Day Three, and the Bears wasted no time in scooping him up. The selection underscores Chicago’s aggressive and opportunistic approach to roster building, as they continue to stockpile talent at a position of need with a player who possesses the athletic profile and intangibles to develop into a long-term starter.
The moment the pick was announced, draft boards across the country were flipped upside down. Tom Downey had Elliott ranked as the 106th overall prospect, while Dane Brugler slotted him at 83rd overall. The disparity between those rankings and the actual selection at 166 represents a staggering gap in perceived value. For a Bears team that has made a habit of finding diamonds in the rough in recent drafts, this feels like the latest chapter in a growing tradition of late-round success. Elliott’s fall is a testament to the unpredictable nature of this year’s draft, where consensus was virtually nonexistent. Teams clearly had wildly divergent evaluations, and Chicago capitalized on that chaos. The linebacker room in Chicago just got a whole lot more interesting, and the competition for roster spots is about to heat up in a major way.
Elliott’s athletic testing numbers are the first thing that jump off the page. At just under six-foot-two and 230 pounds, he fits the modern mold of an NFL linebacker, a player who relies on explosiveness and speed rather than sheer bulk. His 40-yard dash time of 4.59 seconds is elite for the position, and his vertical jump of 38 inches, combined with a broad jump of 105 inches, confirms an explosive lower body that translates directly to on-field performance. He also completed agility testing, a rarity among prospects, and tested well there too. This is a player who has the physical tools to compete at the highest level. But the tape tells an even more compelling story. Elliott is a violent, instinctive run defender who consistently finds the football and limits big gains. He fits the run quickly, diagnoses plays with impressive speed, and arrives at the point of attack with bad intentions.
However, the selection is not without its question marks. The most glaring area of concern is Elliott’s pass coverage ability. Scouts universally agree that he needs significant development in this phase of the game. He can be a liability when asked to drop into zone or match up with athletic tight ends and running backs in man coverage. This is why he is not viewed as a day one starter in the NFL. The Bears coaching staff, led by defensive coordinator Dennis Allen, will have their work cut out for them in refining his technique and awareness in coverage. But the raw ingredients are there. His athletic profile suggests he has the capacity to improve, and the team’s track record of developing defensive players provides reason for optimism. If he can make strides in coverage, the sky is the limit for what he can become.
Where Elliott can make an immediate impact is as a blitzer. He recorded seven sacks last season at Arizona State, a number that jumps off the page for an off-ball linebacker. His ability to generate pressure on third down is a weapon that Dennis Allen can deploy in sub packages. The Bears’ front four is not expected to be one of the league’s elite pass rushing units, so having a linebacker who can consistently get after the quarterback is a massive asset. Elliott’s explosiveness and closing speed make him a nightmare for opposing offensive linemen when he is sent on a blitz. He has a knack for timing his rushes and finding creases in protection. This skill set alone could earn him a role on third downs early in his career, even if his coverage responsibilities are limited.
The intangibles are where this pick truly shines. Multiple scouting reports describe Elliott as an A-plus kid with grown man maturity. The Arizona State coaching staff raved about his character, and one NFL scout told Brugler that Elliott wears out the coaches in the best way possible with his work ethic and study habits. He is described as already being a professional in his approach to the game. He is an extra coach on the field, communicating all calls to his teammates. These are the qualities that the Bears front office has consistently prioritized under Poles. They value high-character players who love the game and are committed to getting better. Elliott fits that mold perfectly. His football character and instincts are exactly what NFL teams desire at the middle linebacker position.
The immediate roster implications are significant and complex. The Bears currently have a crowded linebacker room. TJ Edwards is the established starter and the presumed green dot wearer. Devin Bush and Demarco Jackson are expected to be on the 53-man roster. Ruben Hiplight, a fourth-round pick from last year, is not a lock to make the team and will have to fight for his spot. Noah Su is likely to start the season on the PUP list after suffering a late-season Achilles tear. This creates a fascinating battle for the final roster spots. Assuming Elliott makes the team, which is highly likely barring a catastrophic training camp, that would push the number of linebackers to four or five. The final spot could come down to Hiplight versus Jack Samborn, unless the team decides to trade Edwards to save salary cap space. The competition will be fierce, and Elliott’s special teams ability will be a major factor in his favor.
Elliott’s potential on special teams cannot be overstated. His speed, explosiveness, and tackling ability make him a natural fit for coverage units. The Bears have a long history of developing core special teams players, and Elliott has the skill set to become a standout in that phase of the game. His ability to contribute immediately on kickoff and punt coverage will increase his chances of making the final roster. If he can carve out a role on special teams while developing his coverage skills, he could become a valuable piece of the puzzle for years to come. The coaching staff will likely give him every opportunity to prove himself in training camp and the preseason.
The broader context of the Bears’ draft class makes this pick even more impressive. The team has already added Oregon safety Dylan Theamman in the first round, Iowa center Logan Jones in the second, Stanford tight end Sam Roush in the third, LSU receiver Xavon Thomas in the third, and cornerback Malik Muhammad in the fourth. Each of those picks has been met with positive reviews from analysts. Now, with Elliott in the fifth round, the Bears have assembled a draft class that is being hailed as one of the best in the league. The value they have gotten on Day Three is remarkable. Elliott was a top 100 prospect on many boards, and they got him at 166. Thomas was a dynamic weapon who can play multiple positions. Muhammad was a steal in the fourth round. The Bears have added talent and depth across the board.
The defensive line remains a glaring hole in this draft class. The Bears have not addressed the position at all, which is a surprise given the depth of the class. Players like Garrett Nusmeer and Max Llewellyn are still available, and the team has two seventh-round picks remaining at 239 and 241. It is possible they will package those picks to move up and grab an edge rusher or defensive tackle. Deion Burks and Deont Clayborn are also intriguing options. The Bears clearly have a specific type they are targeting, and they have not found a fit yet. But the value they have gotten at other positions makes the lack of a defensive line pick more palatable. The front office is betting on the development of their current players and the ability of their coaching staff to maximize what they have.
The reaction from the fan base has been overwhelmingly positive. Social media is buzzing with excitement over the Elliott pick. Fans are already comparing him to other late-round steals in Bears history. The one-word reactions are pouring in, with words like steal, value, athletic, and excited dominating the conversation. The Bears have a history of finding gems in the later rounds, and Elliott looks like the latest example. His combination of athleticism, character, and production is a recipe for success. The coaching staff will have to be patient with his development, but the ceiling is high. If he can improve his coverage skills, he could become a starter in this league for a long time.
The path forward for Elliott is clear. He will enter training camp as a developmental prospect with a clear path to the roster. His immediate focus will be on special teams and learning the playbook. He will compete for a role as a backup linebacker and situational blitzer. The coaching staff will work with him on his coverage technique, hoping to unlock his full potential. If he can make strides in that area, he could push for a starting role as early as next season. The Bears have a history of developing linebackers, and Elliott has the physical tools and mental makeup to follow in that tradition. The future is bright for this young player.
The Bears’ draft strategy has been a masterclass in value accumulation. They have not reached for need, instead taking the best player available on their board at each pick. The result is a class that is deep, talented, and filled with players who fit the team’s culture. Elliott is the latest example of that philosophy in action. He was a player they had rated highly, and they waited patiently for him to fall to them. When he did, they pounced. The rest of the league is now on notice. The Bears are building something special, and Keshan Elliott is going to be a part of it. The linebacker out of Arizona State is coming to Chicago, and he is ready to work.
The final two picks of the draft will be interesting to watch. The Bears have 239 and 241 overall. They could use those picks to address the defensive line or add depth at another position. They could also package them to move up and grab a player they like. The front office has shown a willingness to be aggressive when the opportunity presents itself. Whatever they decide, the foundation of this draft class is already set. Dylan Theamman, Logan Jones, Sam Roush, Xavon Thomas, Malik Muhammad, and now Keshan Elliott. That is a haul that any team would be proud of. The Bears have added talent, character, and depth. The future is bright in Chicago.
The clock is ticking on the rest of the draft, but the work is far from over. The Bears will now turn their attention to undrafted free agents, looking to add even more talent to the roster. The competition for roster spots will be fierce, and Elliott will have to earn his place. But if his track record is any indication, he is up for the challenge. He has the work ethic, the character, and the athletic ability to succeed. The Bears have found another steal, and the NFL is taking notice. Keshan Elliott is a Chicago Bear, and the excitement is just beginning. The draft continues, but the story of this pick is already being written. It is a story of value, of patience, and of a player who is ready to prove everyone wrong. The Bears have done it again.
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