2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Tim Keenan III (DL – Alabama)

FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in February. Here’s a look at Alabama defensive lineman Tim Keenan III.

2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Tim Keenan III

Tim Keenan III (DL – Alabama)

6-foot-2 | 320 Pounds

Background

Tim Keenan is a Birmingham, Alabama native who redshirted in 2021 and barely played in 2022 before stepping into a starting role in 2023, averaging a little over 450 snaps in each of the final three seasons of his collegiate career. Posted 38-1.5-1.0 in 2023, 40-7.5-2.5 in 2024 and 16-3.0-2.0 this past season.

Positives

Gargantuan zero-technique nose tackle with three years of starting experience for one of college football’s most respected programs. Highly regarded for his work ethic within the program. Has an outstanding anchor to hold the point of attack when run at, with excellent thickness throughout his lower body.

Plays with good knee bend and impressive flexibility to compete in the leverage battle. Able to dig in against double-teams and drew them regularly in the run game. Does a nice job of keeping his head up to locate ball-carriers. Flashes heavy hands to attack and discard blockers.

Keenan’s first step as a pass-rusher is much better than anticipated for a player of his size. Pretty active with his hands in the passing game, and can work in moves like swims and clubs to create pressure and/or draw double-teams. A surprisingly smooth mover for someone as thick as he is, and even has a little bit of ability to execute stunts. Gets his hands up to contest passing lanes.

Negatives

Keenan’s frame is as thick as you’ll see, but he doesn’t have much length. Wasn’t quite able to match his junior season effectiveness and production this past season. Range is limited. Definitely more of a space/block-eater in the middle of the defense than someone who’s going to pursue outside the tackles.

Can be a tick late to shed at times in the run game. Would like to see him fire out of his stance lower on some passing downs to maximize his leverage. Can draw attention from teammates on passing downs, but doesn’t create a lot of pressure and lacks an ideal closing burst to finish. Weight/conditioning were issues earlier in his career that prevented him from working his way onto the field.

Summary

You won’t find many nose tackles bigger than Keenan, and especially with his impressive flexibility, first step and quickness. His extensive starting experience playing the nose tackle position in Alabama’s two-gap, odd defensive fronts also makes him a relatively high-floor prospect with a clear role at the pro level.

While Keenan will never be the most disruptive pass-rusher, if he controls his weight, he’ll certainly be able to work his way into a rotational role as an early-down run stuffer and space eater. Had a bit of a down year in 2025, which might cost his draft stock to drop.

Projection: Round 3/Round 4