Assessing NFL Draft Stock of Arizona State Standouts

Keith Abney II: #45

Perhaps no one has helped their draft stock as much as Abney over the course of the season.

The junior corner has overcome potential concerns over his lack of size as a boundary cornerback by improving in nearly every technical aspect and truly becoming a star-level player on a play-by-play basis.

Abney is considered anywhere from a first to third round pick by experts, but has yet to make his official decision.

C.J. Fite: #94

Fite is another Arizona State true junior who has yet to make a decision about his future in Tempe.

The Texas native has become a true game wrecker on a reliable basis over the last two seasons, arguably being snubbed from another All-Big 12 selection in the process.

It would be ideal to have Fite back for another season in 2026 as the leader of the defense, but time will tell.

Max Iheanachor: #220

Iheanachor provides a tantalizing frame and eye-popping talent, especially for a player who just began his football career a handful of years ago.

Iheanachor is another player who has a wide-ranging draft stock, with some listing the right tackle as a day two pick, while others are adamant about day three or going undrafted.

Chamon Metayer: #445

Metayer recently rose the ranks as a prospect at the tight end position, with ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. slotting him in as the seventh-best tight end prospect in his most recent update.

Metayer has been incredibly productive over the last two seasons in Tempe, showcasing high-level blocking, sure hands and a previously undiscovered explosiveness in the open field.

Keyshaun Elliott: #449

Elliott has been one of the de facto leaders of the Arizona State defense over the past two seasons, stuffing the stat sheet in everything from total tackles to sacks.

The New Mexico State transfer is a prospect that NFL franchises would surely love to take a chance on day three of the draft with his all-around ability and unquestioned leadership.

Read more on why the Arizona State men's basketball team will exceed expectations in the 2025-26 season here, and on why the bright future of the football program isn’t dimmed by the loss to Arizona here.