NFL Draft Watch: Tim Keenan III Brings Old-School Power to a League Searching for Run-Stoppers
In today’s NFL, defenses are playing catch-up. Offenses are more dynamic than ever - stretching the field horizontally and vertically, using motion, misdirection, and spacing to keep defenses guessing.
In response, defensive coordinators have leaned heavily into two-high safety shells to limit explosive plays through the air. But that adjustment has opened the door for a resurgence in the ground game.
And that’s where a player like Alabama’s Tim Keenan III enters the conversation.
Keenan is a throwback in the best way - a true nose tackle who thrives in the trenches, anchoring against double teams and clogging up interior gaps. In a league that’s once again placing a premium on controlling the line of scrimmage, especially against the run, Keenan’s skill set might be more valuable than his draft projection suggests.
Let’s break down what Keenan brings to the table and why a team like the New York Giants could be eyeing him as a potential Day 3 steal.
The Profile: Built for the Dirty Work
Height: 6'1 1/8"
Weight: 332 lbs
Arm Length: 31"
Hand Size: 8 ¾"
Injury History: Underwent tightrope surgery on a lower leg injury in August 2025
Keenan doesn’t have a flashy profile, but he’s not trying to win a footrace - he’s trying to win leverage battles in the A-gap, and more often than not, he does.
Watching his tape - particularly against Vanderbilt, Tennessee, and South Carolina - Keenan consistently shows the traits you want in a run-stuffing defensive tackle. He’s compact, powerful, and nearly immovable when he anchors. At 332 pounds, he’s built low to the ground and plays with natural leverage, which makes him a nightmare for centers and guards trying to move him off his spot.
He keys the snap quickly and gets off the ball with surprising burst for a man his size. Once engaged, his upper-body strength takes over.
Keenan routinely controls blockers with inside hand placement and has a knack for shedding contact just in time to meet the ball carrier. When he’s locked in, he can single-handedly erase a run lane.
And while he’s not going to chase down running backs 20 yards downfield, the effort is always there. He diagnoses plays quickly and gives everything he’s got in pursuit - even if he’s not the one making the tackle, he’s often the reason the play was slowed down or redirected.
The Limitations: A Specialist, Not a Star
Keenan’s game is built for early downs and short-yardage situations. But once the offense spreads out or the play moves laterally, his impact drops off.
He lacks the athleticism and length to be a consistent pass-rush threat. His 31-inch arms and stocky frame make it tough for him to disengage quickly in space, and he doesn’t offer much in terms of lateral agility or closing speed. If a team is looking for a disruptive 3-tech or a penetrating interior lineman who can collapse the pocket, Keenan isn’t that guy.
He’s also not going to be effective on twists or stunts - his skill set is more straight-ahead power than finesse or misdirection. And while the motor is there, the conditioning can be a concern. His play tends to tail off the longer he’s on the field, which means he’ll likely be rotated heavily at the next level.
Then there’s the medical flag. Keenan underwent tightrope surgery on a lower leg injury prior to the 2025 season.
He returned to play, but it wasn’t until late in the year that he looked like his old self. Teams will want to dig into the medicals to make sure there aren’t lingering issues.
The Projection: A Role Player With Real Value
Keenan projects as a rotational nose tackle - the kind of player who might not rack up stats but helps win games by doing the dirty work. He’s a scheme-specific prospect, best suited for teams that run odd fronts or ask their nose tackle to control two gaps and keep the linebackers clean.
He’s not going to be a three-down player, and that will naturally limit his draft ceiling. But in the right system, with the right rotation, Keenan can be a valuable piece of a run defense. He brings toughness, effort, and a level of physicality that still matters - especially in cold-weather games and playoff football, where stopping the run becomes a priority.
The Fit: Could the Giants Be Interested?
The Giants should absolutely have Keenan on their radar. They’ve struggled to consistently stop the run, and adding a true nose tackle could free up their linebackers to make plays. Keenan wouldn’t be a splashy pick, but he’d be a smart one - especially if they can get him on Day 3.
New York doesn’t need him to be a star. They need him to hold his ground, eat blocks, and give their defense a physical edge in the trenches. That’s exactly what Keenan does.
In a draft class that’s heavy on edge talent and offensive weapons, a player like Keenan might slide further than he should. But for teams that know what they’re looking for - and what they need - he could be one of the most reliable role players available.
And if the Giants are looking to get tougher up the middle without spending premium draft capital, Tim Keenan III might be exactly the kind of player they’re hoping slips through the cracks.