Keyron Crawford

NFL Draft Profile: Keyron Crawford

Position: EDGE / Outside Linebacker | School: Auburn

Class: Senior | Height: 6'4" | Weight: 245 lbs | Archetype: Pass Rusher (Speed Rusher)

College Career Summary

Keyron Crawford’s journey is one of rapid ascension and untapped potential. A late bloomer who didn't play organized football until his senior year of high school (focusing previously on basketball), Crawford spent his first two seasons at Arkansas State, where he emerged as a productive starter in 2023. Seeking to prove himself against elite competition, he transferred to Auburn in 2024 and took over a full-time starting role in 2025. In his senior campaign, Crawford solidified himself as one of the SEC's most disruptive "twitchy" athletes, leading the Tigers in quarterback pressures (43 per PFF) and earning a Senior Bowl invitation. Despite his limited experience, his blend of length and basketball-bred agility has made him a high-upside darling for NFL scouts.

Highlight Career Stats:

• Games Played: 47 (12 starts in 2025)

• Total Tackles: 116 (36 in 2025)

• Tackles For Loss (TFL): 24.0 (9.5 in 2025)

• Sacks: 11.5 (5.0 in 2025)

• QB Pressures: 43 (Led Auburn in 2025)

• Turnovers: 3 Forced Fumbles, 3 Fumble Recoveries, 1 Interception (2025 vs. South Alabama).

2025 Season Game-by-Game Grades

Opponent	Stats	Grade	Key Performance Note
@ Baylor	7 Tkl, 1.0 Sk	A-	Career-high tackles; relentless in his Auburn starting debut.
vs. Ball State	4 Tkl, 2.0 Sk, 1 FF	A+	Season Best. Total backfield erasure; forced fumble on a sack.
vs. So. Alabama	5 Tkl, 2.0 TFL, 1 INT	A	Showcased "twitch" with a rare INT for a defensive end.
@ Oklahoma	2 Tkl, 1 FR	B	High IQ to recover a fumble; solid gap discipline.
@ Texas A&M	2 Tkl, 1.0 Sk	B+	Won with speed against a future NFL tackle.
vs. Georgia	2 Tkl, 1.0 TFL	B-	Battled elite size; held the edge well but lacked pass-rush finish.
vs. Missouri	2 Tkl, 1.0 Sk	B+	Leadership. Voted game captain; provided a huge 4th-down sack.
@ Arkansas	1 Tkl	C+	Worst Game. Struggled to disengage from heavy double-teams.
vs. Kentucky	3 Tkl, 0.5 TFL	B-	High effort but neutralized by Kentucky's quick-passing game.
@ Vanderbilt	2 Tkl	C+	Fatigue looked like a factor late; struggled with a mobile QB.
vs. Mercer	1 Tkl, 1.0 TFL	B	Played limited snaps in a blowout; efficient when in.
vs. Alabama	5 Tkl, 5 QBH	A-	No sacks, but 5 hurries kept Milroe uncomfortable all day.

Scouting Report

Strengths

• Basketball Agility: His Agility and Footwork are clearly influenced by his hoops background. He has a "lateral twitch" that allows him to sidestep blockers effortlessly.

• Explosive First Step: Crawford’s Acceleration is top-tier. He frequently beats tackles to the "spot," forcing them into panicky recovery slides.

• Disruptive Length: At 6'4" with long arms, he can "stab" and maintain distance, preventing offensive linemen from getting into his chest.

• Versatility: Transitioned from a "Buck" (hybrid LB) to a true Edge, showing he can play from a 2-point or 3-point stance.

Weaknesses

• Point of Attack Strength: At 245 lbs, he lacks the true "mass" to anchor against NFL-sized power running games. He can be washed out on "down blocks."

• Raw Pass-Rush Plan: He often relies on pure speed. He needs to develop a deeper Pass Rush tool bag, specifically a reliable counter move when his initial speed rush is stalled.

• Experience Gap: Having only played five seasons of football in total, his Play Recognition is still developing. He occasionally bites on hard counts or play-action.

Scheme Fit: Ideal 3-4 Outside Linebacker in a "Pressure" system that lets him pin his ears back.

NFL Comparison: Josh Uche / Baron Browning

Scout’s Final Word & Projection

Intangibles: 18/20 | Physical Tools: 17/20 | Attributes: 16/20 | Athleticism: 19/20 | IQ: 15/20

Final Grade: 85/100

Keyron Crawford is a "traits-based" prospect who has only scratched the surface of his ability. NFL GMs will fall in love with his 43 QB pressures in the SEC and his elite lateral movement. While he is currently a "specialist" who might struggle on run-heavy downs early in his career, his ceiling is that of a double-digit sack artist once he adds 10-15 lbs of NFL muscle. His invitation to the Senior Bowl is a massive opportunity to prove he can handle the strength of elite senior tackles. Given the premium on edge rushers, he won't last long on Day 2.

Draft Projection: 3rd Round (Potential late 2nd with a sub 4.60 forty-yard dash)