Keon Sabb

NFL Draft Profile: Keon Sabb

Position: Safety | School: Alabama (via Michigan) | Class: Redshirt Junior

Height: 6'1" | Weight: 204 lbs | Archetype: Hybrid / Zone

College Career Summary

Keon Sabb is a "Championship DNA" prospect who has played at the highest level of college football for two blue-chip programs. After winning a National Championship at Michigan in 2023—where he started the title game and recorded a career-high six tackles—he transferred to Alabama in 2024. His initial season in Tuscaloosa was cut short by a broken foot after seven games, but he returned in 2025 as a full-time starter and defensive anchor.

In 2025, Sabb proved his durability and versatility, starting all 14 games for the Crimson Tide. He functioned as the "stabilizer" in the secondary, leading the unit in snaps and finishing with a career-high 51 tackles. Known for his elite length and wingspan, he excels at using his reach to disrupt passing lanes and re-route receivers. He concludes his college career with 5 interceptions and 12 pass breakups, establishing himself as a high-IQ defender who thrives in complex defensive schemes.

Highlight Career Stats:

• Games Played: 39 (14 starts in 2025)

• Total Tackles: 118 (51 in 2025)

• Tackles For Loss (TFL): 2.5 (All in 2025)

• Sacks: 1.5 (1.0 in 2025)

• Interceptions: 5 (1 in 2025)

• Pass Breakups (PD): 12 (3 in 2025)

2025 Season Game-by-Game Grades

Opponent	Stats	Grade	Key Performance Note
@ Florida State	6 Tkl, 1 TFL	A-	Mental Toughness. Best player in a tough season opener.
vs. ULM	3 Tkl	B	Played clean, assignment-sound football in a shutout.
vs. Wisconsin	2 Tkl	B	Held the deep half; limited big-play opportunities.
@ Georgia	4 Tkl	B+	Physical in run support against elite SEC talent.
vs. Vanderbilt	1 Tkl, 1 INT	A	Star Impact. Crucial interception of Diego Pavia.
@ Missouri	1 Tkl	C+	Weakness. Targeted twice on intermediate crossers.
vs. Tennessee	5 Tkl	B	Solid tackling floor; high motor in pursuit.
@ South Carolina	4 Tkl	B+	Leadership. Communicated well against tempo.
vs. LSU	5 Tkl	A-	Hit Power. Punishing hit on a crossing route.
vs. Oklahoma	4 Tkl, 1 Sack	A-	Athleticism. First sack of the season on a blitz.
vs. Eastern Ill.	0 Tkl	B	Played limited snaps in a blowout; no mistakes.
@ Auburn	5 Tkl, 2 PD	A	Clutch. Two pass breakups in a one-score Iron Bowl win.
vs. Georgia (SEC)	5 Tkl	B-	Worst Game. Caught high in pad level on a TD run.
@ Oklahoma (CFP)	6 Tkl	A-	Stamina. High-volume game in a massive CFP win.

Scouting Report

Strengths

• Exceptional Length: Sabb stands 6'1" but plays like he's 6'4". He uses his reach to disrupt catch points and is elite at re-routing receivers at the top of their breaks.

• Football IQ & Versatility: Having played under Jim Harbaugh and Kalen DeBoer, his processing is pro-level. He can play deep post, split-safety, or drop into the slot.

• Tackling Range: He is a willing and capable tackler who covers a lot of ground in Pursuit. He has a natural feel for slipping blockers to blow up screens.

• Zone Awareness: Excels as a "robber" or underneath zone defender, showing a natural feel for throwing windows.

Weaknesses

• Pad Level: Sabb consistently plays with high pad level. This affects his Agility when changing directions and can lead to missed tackles against lower-leverage runners.

• Top-End Speed: He lacks elite "centerfield" speed. He can be vulnerable to pure vertical burners if he doesn't maintain a proper cushion.

• Man Coverage Eyes: Occasionally gets caught "eyeing" the quarterback too long, making him susceptible to double moves from twitchy receivers.

Scheme Fit: Ideal Zone Safety or Big Nickel in a Split-Field system (e.g., Bengals, Dolphins, or Vikings).

NFL Comparison: Justin Simmons (Free Agent/Broncos)

Scout’s Final Word & Projection

Intangibles: 19/20 | Physical Tools: 17/20 | Attributes: 18/20 | Athleticism: 16/20 | IQ: 19/20

Final Grade: 89/100

Keon Sabb is a high-floor prospect who brings championship experience to an NFL locker room. While he lacks the "elite" speed of some other Day 1 safeties, his Play Recognition and length make him a highly effective zone defender. He is a "reliable" player who won't lose games with mental errors. His transition from Michigan to Alabama proved he can thrive in any environment. He projects as a dependable starter who can wear multiple hats in a secondary.

Draft Projection: 3rd Round