Explaining Why Arizona State Prospects are Worthy of High Praise

These former Sun Devils are in position to continue advancing ASU as a prime destination for elite player development.

Nov 28, 2025; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils wide receiver Jordyn Tyson (0) with tight end Chamon Metayer (7) against the Arizona Wildcats during the 99th Territorial Cup at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

TEMPE -- Arizona State's efforts to rebuild the image of the football program has largely ended in success over the last two seasons - with a heavy emphasis on the pro-ready talent that resulted in Cam Skattebo being selected in the 2025 NFL draft.

Now, at least four Sun Devils appear to be poised to get selected on one of three days of the upcoming draft, with Mike Renner of CBS Sports echoing that belief by ranking the members of the program that got invited to the Scouting Combine last week in a top-200 big board.

Arizona State on SI explores what ultimately merits the placements for each prospect below.

6: Jordyn Tyson

Feb 27, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Arizona State wideout Jordyn Tyson (WO40) speaks to members of the media during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images | Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images

Tyson has widely been seen as the most talented receiving prospect in this draft, but injury concerns have put this notion in doubt at different points throughout the process.

"Tyson is a unique route runner who can separate on the entire tree. His shiftiness shows at the line of scrimmage, where he gets off cleanly without even getting touched most of the time. That's a good starting point. The worries with him are that he rarely wins with physicality and has missed time in three straight seasons with injury. If he's healthy, though, he's a safe bet to produce."

Ultimately, Tyson's on-field production, polish as an all-around threat downfield, willingness to serve as an effective run blocker on the perimeter, and improved efficiacy in catching the ball make him the clear-cut top prospect at the position - especially with questionable performances from the other top prospects in the class in Makai Lemon/Carnell Tate during the time in Indianapolis. Expect Tyson to remain a top 10 selection come April with a strong pro day showing in Tempe later in March.

23: Max Iheanachor

Feb 28, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Arizona State offensive lineman Max Iheanachor (OL29) speaks to members of the media during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images | Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images

"Iheanachor is the wild card of the tackle class, given his combination of physical tools and relative inexperience. He only started playing football when he got to college and, over the past five years, has transformed himself into one of the best offensive tackles in college football. He's still a project, but one who has shown drastic improvement in a short amount of time."

The ultimate less-than-ideal physical testing of peers in Miami's Francis Mauigoa and Utah's Spencer Fano seems to do nothing but help Iheanachor's case to be an early selection. Caleb Lomu of Utah appears to be as much of a project as the Arizona State RT as well.

Iheanachor is also more polished than many have credited, as the former JUCO player did not cede a single sack in nearly 500 pass blocking reps during the 2025 season. Iheanachor is a prospect that has a real-world track record of playing at a high level, while also possessing real upside to improve even more at the professional level.

40: Keith Abney II

Feb 26, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Arizona State defensive back Keith Abney II (DB01) speaks to members of the media during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images | Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images

"Abney is a tape-over-traits kind of corner. He's just a good football player who can play both man and zone, as well as tackle in the open field. He's just not going to impress with his physical traits."

The 2025 All-Big 12 First Team selection doesn't possess the physical tools that a counterpart such as Tennessee's Jermod McCoy, but the tape and production speak for themselves. Abney is as good as they come when effectively utilizing the sideline as another defender. His technique is incredibly sound. He has the ability to play man and zone at a high level as mentioned above. He provides strong run support and has a knack to create turnovers in key inflection points of games,

Abney is just a quality player that will likely be an every-down boundary corner at the NFL level.

Elliott has been one of the rapid risers up draft boards in recent months, as the two-year starting player in Tempe presents a wide appeal to NFL franchises at-large.

While Elliott isn't the most explosive athlete, he is incredibly strong, incredibly astute, and an incredible leader - all of this builds up into one of the most complete off-ball linebacker prospects in this draft.

The wide expectation is that Elliott will be selected in either the fourth of fifth round of the draft - whatever franchise is able to claim hold of the All-Big 12 talent will be incredibly fortunate.

Feb 25, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Arizona State linebacker Keyshaun Elliott (LB07) speaks during the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Read more on the bold strategy that head coach Bobby Hurley employed with comments on 1/21 here, and on why Arizona State may have saved the season with the win over Cincinnati on Saturday here..

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