Tim Keenan III

NFL Draft Profile: Tim Keenan III

Position: Defensive Tackle (NT/0-1 Tech) | School: Alabama | Class: Redshirt Senior

Height: 6'2" | Weight: 320 lbs | Archetype: Run Stopper

College Career Summary

Tim Keenan III is the definition of a "self-made" Alabama lineman. After redshirting in 2021 and seeing minimal action in 2022, he underwent a significant physical transformation, dropping weight to become a more explosive athlete. By 2024, he was a mainstay on the interior, starting 12 games. In 2025, he was elected a Permanent Team Captain, a testament to his Leadership. Despite an ankle injury that sidelined him for the first three games of 2025, he returned to anchor the Crimson Tide defense through a grueling SEC schedule and a College Football Playoff run.

Highlight Career Stats:

• Games Played: 40 (26 Starts)

• Total Tackles: 92

• Tackles For Loss (TFL): 12.0

• Sacks: 5.5

• Misc: 1 Blocked Punt (2025 CFP vs. Oklahoma), 3 Fumble Recoveries, 1 Forced Fumble.

2025 Season Game-by-Game Grades

Note: Keenan missed the first three games (FSU, ULM, Wisconsin) with an ankle injury.

Opponent	Stats	Grade	Key Performance Note
No. 2 Georgia	3 Tackles, 0.5 TFL	B+	Season debut; anchored well against elite UGA interior.
Vanderbilt	5 Tackles, 1 FR	A-	High IQ play on a fumble recovery; stout in the run game.
Missouri	1 Tackle	B-	Low stats but forced several redirected runs; elite "Star" impact.
Tennessee	2 Tackles, 1 PBU	B	Showed great Agility to bat down a pass at the LOS.
South Carolina	4 Tackles, 1 FR	A	Clutch fumble recovery late in the 4th; high Mental Toughness.
LSU	1 Tackle	B+	Absorbed double teams all night to free up Alabama LBs.
No. 8 Oklahoma	1 PBU	B-	Struggled slightly with lateral speed but stayed disciplined.
Eastern Illinois	2 Tackles, 2.0 Sacks	A+	Pure dominance; showed a refined Pass Rush tool bag.
Auburn	3 Tackles	A-	Iron Bowl veteran presence; neutralized the inside zone.
No. 2 Georgia (SEC)	4 Tackles, 1.0 TFL	A-	Best "physical" game; played with a very High Motor.
Oklahoma (CFP)	1 Tackle, 1 Blk Punt	A	Career-defining blocked punt to spark a historic comeback.

Scouting Report

Strengths

• Elite Leverage: At 6'2", he is the "low man" by default. He gets under the pads of taller centers and resets the line of scrimmage with ease.

• Anchor & Strength: He is nearly impossible to displace 1-on-1. His lower-body Strength allows him to eat double teams, making him a "Force Multiplier" for his linebackers.

• Hand Quickness: For a 320 lb man, his hands are exceptionally "active." He wins the initial punch and has a surprisingly effective swim move.

• Intangibles: A vocal Leader and permanent captain at Alabama. His "Team Player" attitude is visible in how he celebrates his teammates' success.

Weaknesses

• Stamina: While he has worked on his conditioning, he can wear down in high-tempo, "no-huddle" situations. He is most effective in a heavy rotation.

• Length: Shorter arms (sub 33-inches) can allow longer-limbed NFL guards to get into his chest and stall his momentum if he doesn't win early.

• Closing Speed: While his Acceleration in short areas is good, he won't chase down many plays to the sideline. He is a "phone booth" disruptor.

Scheme Fit: Ideal 0 or 1-Technique (Nose Tackle) in a 3-4 or 4-3 "Under" defense.

NFL Comparison: Poona Ford / Da'Ron Payne (Lite)

Scout’s Final Word & Projection

Intangibles: 20/20 | Physical Tools: 16/20 | Attributes: 18/20 | Athleticism: 14/20 | IQ: 18/20

Final Grade: 86/100

Tim Keenan III is the "glue" that holds a championship-level defensive line together. He is a high-floor, high-IQ prospect who understands his role as a space-eater and run-stuffer. While he won't ever be a 10-sack-per-year player, his ability to neutralize the opponent's best interior blocker is a premium trait. His performance in the 2025 CFP proved he has a "clutch" gene that will appeal to playoff-contending NFL teams.

Draft Projection: 3rd Round