Summary

Keion White was drafted in the 2023 NFL Draft, Round 2, (pick 46) out of Old Dominion University and Georgia Tech. White is emerged as a highly intriguing “athletic freak” type edge rusher—with elite physical traits, high upside, but also significant developmental risks given his relative inexperience. NFL Draft Buzz

Strengths

• Physical traits & athleticism: White has rare size for the edge position (6′5″, ~285 lbs) and posted strong testing numbers, including a 4.79 40-yard dash and notable burst for his frame. Bleacher Report

• Length + reach advantages: With long arms and significant wing span, he has the tools to disengage blockers, affect passing lanes, and convert on the edge. Bleacher Report

• Pass-rush upside / explosion off the snap: Evaluators observed that he quickly reacts, shows initial burst, and possesses a bull-rush style that can collapse the pocket when his hands are properly engaged. Bleacher Report

• Run-defense potential: While more celebrated for his pass rush, he has shown ability to set the edge, make tackles for loss, and disrupt the backfield as evidenced in his college TFL numbers. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

Weaknesses

• Technique refinement needed: Despite his physical gifts, White’s pass-rush move-set was considered still developing at the time of the draft—he lacked a full complement of counters and his hand-work needs refinement. Bleacher Report

• Pad-level & leverage concerns: His size can be a double-edged sword—he has struggled at times with staying low, getting under blockers, and avoiding being reset when engaging double teams or length-heavy blockers. Bleacher Report

• Consistency / development curve: As a fairly recent convert to full-time edge defender and breakout a bit later, there were questions about how quickly he would adjust to full-time NFL snaps and maintain production across all downs. SI

Fit & Outlook

Keion White projects as a high-ceiling edge defender whose success hinges on his ability to refine technique and sustain his physical production into full-time starter territory.

• Short term: Expect him to see rotational snaps early, work on pass-rush situations, and gradually increase his snap count as he develops.

• Medium term: If he improves his arsenal, pad level, and consistency, he could become a disruptive every-down edge rusher, generating pressure regularly and being a defensive game-changer.

• Ceiling vs Floor:

  • Floor: A quality rotational edge with pass-rush upside who can contribute in sub-packages.

  • Ceiling: A dominant starter at the edge position who can consistently produce double-digit sacks, disrupt both run and pass, and anchor a defensive front.