Bears rookie linebacker Keyshaun Elliott aims to emulate All-Pro Fred Warner as he begins his NFL career. Despite competition for playing time, Elliott is focused on developing his skills by studying Warner's game.
Key points
Keyshaun Elliott is a rookie linebacker for the Chicago Bears.
He was drafted in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Elliott aims to emulate All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner.
He faces competition from veterans for playing time.
Elliott may start on special teams while adjusting to the NFL.
Chicago BearsKeyshaun ElliottFred WarnerTJ Edwards
Bears rookie LB Keyshaun Elliott models his game after this All-Pro
The Chicago Bears made several selections during the 2026 NFL Draft that filled multiple voids on the roster, and helped balance out both sides of the football. Throughout their draft class, the Bears selected a few players who can be listed as "intriguing" picks, due to the talent level they have and where they could earn playing time, including fifth-round linebacker Keyshaun Elliott.
With several veterans locked in place at the linebacker position, in TJ Edwards, Devin Bush, Jack Sanborn, and D'Marco Jackson, Elliott will face an uphill battle to find playing time as a rookie.
If he has to spend his time on special teams to begin his career, while adjusting to the NFL level, Elliott can continue to work on the All-Pro he molds his game after, 49ers linebacker Fred Warner. Elliott explained what he's learned from watching Warner, both on and off the field.
2026 NFL Draft: Bears select Dillon Thieneman in first round (No. 25)
Q&A
Who does Keyshaun Elliott model his game after?
Keyshaun Elliott models his game after All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner.
What challenges does Keyshaun Elliott face as a rookie linebacker?
Elliott faces competition from established veterans like TJ Edwards and Devin Bush, making it difficult to secure playing time.
What round was Keyshaun Elliott drafted in the 2026 NFL Draft?
Keyshaun Elliott was selected in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
What position does Keyshaun Elliott play for the Chicago Bears?
Keyshaun Elliott plays as a linebacker for the Chicago Bears.
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"If you're any type of linebacker, I want to be somebody great like Fred Warner, one of the best linebackers in the league," Elliott said. "Everything that he does, from off the field to on the field is just elite. And you look at a linebacker that's a game changer. Anytime he's going to punch that ball out, he's going to get interceptions. He's going to be disruptive in the run games. So just his overall disruptiveness is something that I want to take away from him. How is he getting all these forced fumbles and getting in passing lanes. So just watching his game -- a lot of it's just a reflection of how much time he puts into the game, watching film and everything, playing before the snaps. So, a great guy to watch film on."
It would be quite the steal if Chicago could get any resemblance of Warner in their selection of Elliott, but he'll have to wait for his opportunity in his first season. In his final season with the Arizona State Sun Devils, Elliott played a major role for their defense, totaling 89 tackles and 7.0 sacks on the year. But he may be asked to play special teams for the Bears, something he was not asked to do in the last two seasons of his collegiate career.