Atlanta, Georgia – The NFL Draft can become the greatest night of a young man’s life, or feel as slow and frustrating as watching paint dry. For Tim Keenan III, both emotions were likely wrapped into one unforgettable Saturday night. After waiting through round after round, the former University of Alabama standout finally heard his name called in the seventh round of the 2026 NFL Draft when the Los Angeles Rams selected him with pick No. 232 overall. What felt like an eternity may ultimately turn into the perfect situation for the talented defensive lineman.
As the draft unfolded, I was left wondering why a player with Keenan’s production, strength, and experience slipped so far down the board. During Senior Bowl week, Keenan gave insight into how he views himself as a player. When I asked him whether he was more of a nose tackle or defensive tackle, he confidently responded that he is a “true defensive tackle, though some evaluators may label him as a nose tackle”. That distinction may have played a major role in his draft slide.
In today’s NFL, versatility and pass-rush ability are highly valued among interior defensive linemen. While Keenan has built a reputation as a physical run stopper who can clog lanes and control the line of scrimmage, some scouts may have questioned his upside as an every down interior pass rusher. Keenan himself has acknowledged that improving his pass-rush game is the next step in becoming a complete player at the professional level. Now, falling to the seventh round may provide all the motivation he needs.
At 6-foot-2 and 320 pounds, Keenan possesses the size, strength, and toughness to compete immediately for snaps with the Los Angeles Rams. His ability to anchor against the run and bring physicality to the trenches gives him a legitimate chance to carve out a role during his rookie season. More importantly, he now enters the league with something every late-round pick needs: a chip on his shoulder. Keenan heads across the country to begin his NFL journey in Los Angeles, carrying the frustration of draft night with him. If he channels that emotion the right way, the Rams may have landed one of the biggest steals of the draft. Sometimes the wait is long, but the story is just getting started.
