Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets outside linebacker Keion White is among the top-ranked edge defenders in the 2023 NFL Draft class. While he flashed talent at times, most of White’s experience came in 2019 and in 2022, and they were in two different programs, making his evaluation a unique process.
Injuries and other oddities marred White’s college career, but there’s no question he has NFL size or quickness. Combine these traits with a respectable amount of production, and White could have a very high ceiling at the next level.
He’s not in the Will Anderson, Tyree Wilson, Lukas Van Ness, or Myles Murphy tiers of elite edge defenders, but all it takes is one team to have a high grade on White, and he could become a first-round pick. What makes him special?
Keion White measurables
- Keion White height: 6-foot-5
- Keion White weight: 285 pounds
- Keion White 40 time: N/A
Let’s dive into our Keion White scouting report and NFL projection.
Keion White stats and background
Despite being regarded as just a two-star recruit by 247 Sports coming out of Garner Magnet High School, Keion White is the definition of an athlete. Having initially committed to Old Dominion as a tight end before switching to defensive end as a sophomore, White had a strange college career.
Related: 2023 NFL defense rankings
Like many players in this draft class, White opted out of the 2020 season due to COVID-19 before transferring to Georgia Tech. Yet, before he could debut with the Yellow Jackets, White broke his ankle while playing basketball, missing the first eight games of the season. Once he finally played a full season, the Raleigh, North Carolina native flourished.
| Keion White stats | Tackles | Sacks |
| 2019 (Old Dominion) | 62 (19 TFL) | 3.5 |
| 2022 (Georgia Tech) | 54 (14 TFL) | 7.5 |
White even recorded an interception in 2019, showing his tight skills haven’t completely escaped him. While his tape is limited, talent evaluators must be enamored with what they’ve seen so far, knowing the 24 has plenty of room for growth.
Statistics courtesy of College Football Reference, ESPN, and Pro Football Focus
Keion White scouting report
Due to his strange college career, Keion White is a bit of a hidden gem. But he won’t sneak under the radar among NFL scouting rooms. White is a physical specimen who may be a bit raw, but he already comes with an exciting skillset.
Showing he’s much more than just a down-lineman, White has the ability to fly around the field. But he’s the type of player who can do it all whether it’s becoming an anchor in the trenches, rushing after passers, or apparently surprising quarterbacks by dropping into coverage without hesitation.
Despite having 34-inch arms, White still managed to put up 30 reps on the bench press. He checks all the boxes – quick, strong, lengthy, and productive, yet there’s still a sense, even at 24, that we haven’t seen the best from White.
- Keion White draft grade: 72/100
- Keion White draft projection: Late-first or second-round pick
NFL projection for Keion White
Keion White’s athletic profile suggests he can excel both as a pass rusher and as a run defender. That’s ideal for any NFL team, allowing him to fit into any system he lands in, whether it’s a 3-4 or 4-3.
All the tools are there. It’s all about consistency at the next level. How many times can he make an impact throughout the game?
But that’s where joining an NFL team, having access to the best nutritionists and strength coaches in football plus being able to learn from experienced minds can help him be his best. White has Pro Bowl-plus potential as a player who could be a game-wrecker at the next level.
Projecting White’s NFL landing spot is difficult. As mentioned, it only takes one team to fall in love with him as a prospect. We have a feeling there are several clubs who are itching to get a chance to coach him, just to see how good White can be.
It’s hard to imagine a player with this type of potential slipping out of the second round. Whoever gets him, will want to get White on the field right away.