The Chicago Bears have added another promising piece to their defensive puzzle, selecting Arizona State linebacker Keyshaun Elliott with the 166th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. This move continues a trend of the Bears finding value in the later rounds, and Elliott might just be one of their biggest steals yet.

Standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing 233 pounds, Elliott brings a solid, pro-ready frame to the linebacker position. His college career was a testament to consistency and production, starting 38 games across stints at New Mexico State and Arizona State. Last season with the Sun Devils, he truly shined, racking up 98 tackles and seven sacks to earn All-Big 12 honors. Those numbers are a clear indicator of his ability to diagnose plays and make stops in the running game.

What makes this pick even more intriguing is the value. According to The Athletic's Dane Brugler, Elliott was ranked 83rd overall and carried a third-round grade. The Bears snagged him in the sixth round, a classic example of a team capitalizing on a sliding prospect. Known for his excellent instincts and leadership—he was a team captain—Elliott has the intangibles coaches love. His work ethic is often praised, and his football IQ stands out on tape.

No prospect is perfect, and Elliott's area for growth is in pass coverage. Quicker NFL tight ends and running backs could challenge him in space, but his physicality and downhill style make him a natural fit for a run-stopping role. Think of him as a player who can immediately contribute on special teams while developing into a core defender on early downs.

For Bears fans, this pick feels like another savvy move by the front office. Adding a physical, high-motor linebacker who was projected to go much earlier gives the defense depth and a potential future starter. If Elliott can refine his coverage skills, Chicago may have found a true gem in the middle of their defense.