You likely have never heard of New Mexico EDGE Keyshawn James-Newby, but don't be shocked if he's one day considered one of the biggest late-round steals of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Teams already known to have met with James-Newby include some who's who of great and well-coached NFL defenses, including the Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks, the Denver Broncos, and the Minnesota Vikings.
Also among the teams James-Newby has met with are the Detroit Lions. In fact, James-Newby has already had multiple meetings with the Lions.
Speaking in an interview with Justin Melo of NFL Draft OnSI, James-Newby name-dropped some of the teams he's met with:
"I’ve met with a few teams. I met with the Seattle Seahawks. I have a second meeting with them scheduled, an upcoming in-person visit. I met with the Detroit Lions’ linebackers coach. We broke down some plays together. I met with a Lions scout for a second time. I met with the Denver Broncos and Minnesota Vikings as well."
It's interesting to note that the Lions were the team he was most descriptive about in his response, even though they weren't the first team he mentioned. Those meetings with the Lions could be the most recent, so they're freshest in his mind, or maybe the meetings left a big impression on him.
Whatever the reason, we now know that James-Newby has met with Shaun Dion Hamilton and broken plays down with him. As for what those breakdowns could entail, Mike Payton of A to Z Sports theorizes that the Lions are targeting a SAM linebacker at some point in the draft.
Payton bases this on previous SAM-focused meetings and workouts with other EDGE rushers like Michigan's Jaishawn Barnham and Michigan State's Quindarius Dunnigan, pointing to a focused interest in Derrick Barnes' current role.
It's worth noting that it isn't a one-or-the-other situation, as the Lions could be looking to pick up multiple EDGE rushers and possibly use them in various situations based on their strengths and to shore up depth in an area that is shallow at the moment.
James-Newby's background doesn't necessarily fit the SAM role, but the Lions could see his potential there, or they have something else in mind for him.
What makes James-Newby a potential sleeper pick?
As of now, James-Newby is projected to be a Day Three pick, but his draft stock is rising, so he could find himself closer to Day Two in the weeks to come. So who is Keyshawn James-Newby, what makes him a Day Three prospect on the rise, and why are top defensive teams interested in him?
James-Newby is a senior who only got his first taste of the FBS college level in his final season, after two fantastic seasons at FCS Idaho, and beforehand, NAIA Montana Tech. Despite the jump in competition, James-Newby excelled, totaling 9.0 sacks, 52 combined tackles, 15 tackles for loss, and two forced fumbles in 13 games. He's always met the challenge of elevated competition.
James-Newby was one of the nation's best pass rushers, with a 92.7 pass-rush grade from Pro Football Focus, good for fourth best in the country. His 89.8 overall grade was good for 19th among EDGE defenders last season, and his 66 pressures also ranked third. Given the Lions' well-documented pass-rush concerns, getting one of the nation's best in the late rounds already feels like a dream come true.
READ MORE: Local prospect added to Lions' 30 visit list as NFL Draft draws near
Why a projected Day Three pick, and not Day One or Two? The biggest knock against James-Newby is that he's undersized for his position. Offensive linemen are bigger in the NFL, after all. That, of course, sounds a lot like LB Malcolm Rodriguez, whom the Lions selected in the sixth round in 2022, and just re-signed with the team.
Also similar to Rodriguez, James-Newby works hard, plays smart, and can utilize his size to his advantage. He'll make his presence known whether he starts, is a backup, or is on special teams.
At the end of his NFL Draft OnSI interview, James-Newby was asked by Melo what a team is going to get when they draft him, and his response feels tailored to the Lions, whether he realizes it or not:
"I’m going to be a high motor guy. I’m always going to stick to my foundation. I’ve always been taught to play with a high motor. I’m going to continue doing that. I play with 100% effort and focus."
If that doesn't scream "Dan Campbell guy," then nothing does.