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Bears Draft LB Keyshaun Elliott to Bolster Run Defense

4/26/2026

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Summary

Elliott Drafted

The Chicago Bears drafted linebacker Keyshaun Elliott with the 166th pick in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
He logged 98 tackles, seven sacks, 14 tackles for loss and earned second-team All-Big 12 honors in 2025.
The pick, graded B- to B, aims to fix run-defense after releasing Tremaine Edmunds and signing Devin Bush, with Elliott expected on special teams in 2026 and as a starter by 2027.

Summary

Elliott Selected

The Bears obtained the 166th pick on Day 3 and selected Elliott.
Elliott is the cousin of former NFL defensive back Lenvil Elliott, a Super Bowl XVI champion.
At Arizona State, Elliott wore the green communication dot and served as defensive play-caller.
In high school at Richmond, Missouri, Elliott recorded 128 offensive touchdowns and 180 defensive tackles.
At his Pro Day, Elliott bench-pressed 225 lb for 21 reps, confirming his strength.

History

Historical Context

After the 1985 Bears, coached by Mike Ditka, built a league-leading 46 defense that surrendered only 198 points and won Super Bowl XX on Jan 26 1986 (46-10 over New England), Chicago has long prized run-stopping linebackers like Mike Singletary. In 2026 the team drafted linebacker Keyshaun Elliott, hoping to recapture that dominant front.

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Elliott Drafted

The Chicago Bears drafted linebacker Keyshaun Elliott with the 166th pick in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
He logged 98 tackles, seven sacks, 14 tackles for loss and earned second-team All-Big 12 honors in 2025.
The pick, graded B- to B, aims to fix run-defense after releasing Tremaine Edmunds and signing Devin Bush, with Elliott expected on special teams in 2026 and as a starter by 2027.

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