Summary

Keion White was selected in Round 2 (#46 Overall) of the 2023 NFL Draft out of Georgia Tech University. Starting at Old Dominion before moving to Georgia Tech, White compiled 33 starts, amassing 122 tackles, 11.0 sacks, an interception, two fumble recoveries, and multiple pass breakups while earning Second‑Team All‑Conference USA (2019) and Third‑Team All‑ACC (2022) honors. In the NFL through part of the 2025 season, White has appeared in 40+ games with 7.5 career sacks, roughly 88 total tackles, and multiple passes defended, including a five‑sack campaign in 2024 when he played a significant pass‑rush role for New England.He was traded to the San Francisco 49ers in 2025 as the team sought interior pass‑rush help after injuries to key defenders. White is widely viewed as a high‑character, competitive player with elite physical traits, known for his motor, effort, and team‑first approach, though his integration into schemes has sparked discussion about maximizing his talent.

Strengths

• Elite Physical Tools: Rare combination of size and athleticism for a defensive lineman, allowing explosive initial steps and pursuit. This allows him to align inside as a defensive tackle or on the edge; scheme flexibility increases his value.

• Pass‑Rushing Burst: Quick off the snap with first‑step explosiveness, particularly effective when attacking interior gaps and leverage points allowing him to post strong pressure numbers in 2024 (45 total pressures and 5 sacks)

• Run Performance Upside: When aligned inside, has shown the ability to hold ground and fight through blocks to make tackles in run defense.

• Motor & Effort: Plays with relentlessness through the whistle and consistently chases down plays and fights for extra pursuit. Coaches and teammates note his work ethic and willingness to compete, even when frustrated with usage changes.

Weaknesses

• Technique Refinement: Relies heavily on physical traits and is still developing refined hand usage and counter moves to sustain rushes against pro tackles.

• Consistency Issues: Has gone through stretches with limited production, partly due to scheme fit and role changes. Usage has fluctuated under different coaching staffs, impacting development rhythm and snap counts.

• Fit Uncertainty: Earlier usage outside the interior less aligned with his strengths, emphasizing the need for optimal scheme context.

• Coverage & Play‑Recognition: Rarely tasked with coverage or lateral read responsibilities and tends to play what he sees rather than what he anticipates, leaving him susceptible to biting on play action or misdirection plays.

Outlook

White projects most cleanly as a versatile front‑seven defensive lineman capable of contributing as an interior disruptor and rotational pass rusher. His best fit is in defensive schemes that leverage his explosive burst, size, and athleticism inside gaps (e.g., 3‑tech or 1‑tech fronts), where he can use his leverage and snap anticipation to generate pressure and collapse running lanes. In San Francisco’s defensive front, White has an opportunity to redefine his role as a strong side defensive end in Robert Salah’s odd-front in a shift that might unlock more consistent production. Looking ahead, White’s upside remains significant if he continues to refine his pass‑rush technique and finds a stable niche in front‑seven rotations. While he has faced usage challenges and role changes, his physical traits — combined with a competitive motor and professional mentality — give him the potential to develop into a reliable rotational starter and situational pass rusher. Should he translate his pressure production into more consistent disruption and increase his snap efficiency, White could grow into a core defensive line contributor with the ability to impact both run defense and interior pass rush in multiple defensive fronts.