Chicago Bears have chance for a big steal in 2026 NFL Draft with linebacker pick

The frustrations mounted from fans on Friday when the Chicago Bears spent all three picks on day two of the 2026 NFL Draft on offense. With clear needs on the defensive line, the Bears opted to address center, tight end and wide receiver.

But on day three, the Bears went after another need they had on the defense.

Chicago made a trade early in the day, and in that trade they were able to acquire the No. 166 overall pick. With that pick, they drafted Arizona State linebacker Keyshaun Elliott and it has the potential to be a big-time steal for Ryan Poles and his staff.

Keyshaun Elliott has the chance to be a steal for the Chicago Bears

While linebacker wasn’t the biggest need the Bears had on defense, finding some depth there was important. They did sign Devin Bush while bringing back Jack Sanborn and D’Marco Jackson. But at 166, they landed Elliott who was a top 100 player on Dan Brugler’s annual draft guide, “The Beast.”

Elliott was ranked 83rd overall, the No. 8 linebacker and had a third-round grade on him. Here is what Brugler had to say about Elliott:

A two-year starter at Arizona State (and for three-and-a-half years overall), Elliott wore the green dot as the Mike linebacker in defensive coordinator Brian Ward’s 4-2-5 base scheme. He was in the same signing class as Diego Pavia at New Mexico State, then transferred to play for the Sun Devils his final two seasons. He combined for more than 300 career tackles and was the only player from a power conference in 2025 with 90-plus tackles, 14-plus tackles for loss and seven-plus sacks.

Elliott has good size and speed for the position, with the read-react instincts to trigger and go. A high school quarterback, he does a great job picking up on pre-snap clues and meets contact with violence as a downhill tackler. In coverage, he has functional athleticism but needs to see things faster. He was the heart of the linebacker room (Arizona State’s LBs called themselves the “Werewolves”), and his uplifting leadership style will translate well to the league.

Elliott has good production last season, as well. He finished the 2025 season with 7 sacks and 14 tackles for loss in Arizona’s defense, wearing the green dot and playing the MIKE spot.

Chicago could use him in a few different spots on their defense, potentially as a situational pass rusher at times. He will also be able to earn a shot at more reps with special teams early in his career.

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