Keaton Thomas, LB, Mississippi: 2027 NFL Draft Prospect Profile & Scouting Report
1. General Information
|
Name |
|
|
Position |
Linebacker (LB) |
|
Jersey Number |
#11 |
|
Class |
Senior |
|
School |
Mississippi |
|
Height / Weight |
6’1″ / 240 lbs |
|
Hometown / HS |
Jacksonville, Fla. / Trinity Christian |
2. Career Statistical Breakdown
Defensive Production
|
Season |
Team |
Conf |
Class |
G |
Tackles |
TFL |
Sacks |
FF |
PD |
INT (TD) |
|
2022 |
West Virginia |
Big 12 |
FR |
1 |
0 |
0.0 |
0.0 |
0 |
0 |
0 (0) |
|
2023 |
NE Mississippi |
MACCC |
SO |
– |
107 |
10.0 |
1.5 |
0 |
2 |
2 (0) |
|
2024 |
Baylor |
Big 12 |
SO |
13 |
114 |
7.0 |
2.5 |
0 |
0 |
1 (1) |
|
2025 |
Baylor |
Big 12 |
JR |
12 |
105 |
7.0 |
1.0 |
0 |
3 |
1 (0) |
|
Total |
NCAA Only |
26 |
219 |
14.0 |
3.5 |
0 |
3 |
2 (1) |
3. NFL Combine Testing Projections
Projected baseline physical metrics for the 2027 NFL Draft cycle based on his collegiate movement profile, frame, and historical testing for traditional off-ball linebackers.
- 40-Yard Dash: 4.65 – 4.75 seconds
- Vertical Jump: 31.0″ – 33.0″
- Broad Jump: 9’8″ – 10’0″
- 10-Yard Split: 1.58 – 1.65 seconds
- Bench Press: 18 – 22 repetitions
4. Scouting Notes
Background Profile
Keaton Thomas’ collegiate journey is a testament to his persistence and immense physical growth. Originally a defensive back prospect out of Trinity Christian in Florida, Thomas spent one year at West Virginia before stepping down to the junior college level at Northeast Mississippi CC. There, he fully transitioned into a traditional linebacker role, bulking up to 240 pounds and dominating the competition.
He parlayed his NJCAA All-American season into a highly successful two-year stint at Baylor, establishing himself as one of the most productive tacklers in the Big 12. Seeking to validate his draft stock on college football’s biggest stage, Thomas transferred to Ole Miss to anchor Pete Golding’s defense in the SEC for his senior season.
Key Strengths
- Elite Tackle Production: A true tackling machine with a relentless motor. Thomas combines exceptional play recognition with the physical willingness to step into gaps, securing 219 total tackles over a two-year span in the Big 12.
- Instincts and Vision: Processes run concepts cleanly, rarely taking false steps. He uses his former defensive back background to visually track backfield flow, consistently putting himself around the football.
- Playmaking Flair: He possesses a natural nose for the end zone when he forces turnovers. He logged a pick-six in 2024 and added a scoop-and-score fumble recovery for a touchdown in 2025.
- Prototypical Build: At 6’1″ and 240 pounds, he boasts a traditional middle linebacker frame capable of withstanding the rigors of downhill run defense.
Developmental Focus
As Thomas leaps into SEC play, his ability to deconstruct blocks will be heavily scrutinized. While highly productive, he occasionally struggles to shed interior offensive linemen who latch onto his frame. Improving his hand violence and leverage at the point of attack will be critical. Furthermore, proving that his movement skills and lateral agility are fluid enough to cover athletic tight ends and running backs in space will ultimately determine his draft ceiling.
Draft Countdown Film Notes
pending
All-Star Game Notes
- 2026 Shriners Children’s East-West Bowl 1000
Combine/Pro Day Measurables
pending