Patriots Draft Profile: Alabama's Tim Keenan Can Clog The Middle

The 327-pound nose tackle could provide depth and run-stopping ability to New England's defensive line.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 12:08pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the chaotic collision of a defensive line, with players' forms broken down into sharp, overlapping shapes in navy, red, and white.A cubist interpretation of a defensive line battle, capturing the raw physicality and strategic complexity of the trenches.Tuscaloosa Today

The New England Patriots are looking to bolster their defensive line after losing key contributors in the offseason. One player they may target in the draft is Alabama's Tim Keenan, a 327-pound nose tackle known for his ability to clog running lanes and take on double teams. While Keenan had an underwhelming NFL Combine, his leadership and run-stuffing skills could make him a valuable rotational piece for the Patriots in the middle rounds.

Why it matters

The Patriots' defensive front struggled at times last season, particularly in the Super Bowl loss to the Seahawks. Bringing in a player like Keenan, who can occupy blockers and shut down the run game, could help shore up that area of the defense.

The details

Keenan is a prototypical nose tackle who uses his size and leverage to win at the line of scrimmage. Despite not having the ideal arm length, he is quick to get his hands inside on offensive linemen. Keenan's quickness also allows him to disrupt plays in the backfield. However, he did suffer a high-ankle sprain in 2025 that caused him to miss several games and affected his play. His lateral quickness is also not the best, and he can sometimes struggle to disengage from head-on blocks.

  • In August 2025, Keenan suffered a high-ankle sprain in practice that led to a 'tightrope' procedure and caused him to miss several games.
  • In 2024, Keenan had 7.5 tackles for loss, his best statistical season.

The players

Tim Keenan

A 327-pound senior defensive tackle from the University of Alabama, known for his ability to clog running lanes and take on double teams.

Kenneth Walker III

The Seattle Seahawks running back who had success against the Patriots' defensive front in Super Bowl LX.

Sam Darnold

The Seattle Seahawks quarterback who the Patriots struggled to put pressure on in Super Bowl LX.

K'Lavon Chaisson

A key member of the Patriots' defense who is no longer with the team after the offseason.

Anfernee Jennings

A key member of the Patriots' defense who is no longer with the team after the offseason.

Khyiris Tonga

A key member of the Patriots' defense who is no longer with the team after the offseason.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“'With me being 6-foot-2, I ain't 6-foot-5, so I ain't got the arm length that some of these guys have. Some of these guys can touch their knees standing up. So, I have to make sure I get my hands inside, get them on the offensive lineman quick, because the first person that strikes and gets their feet across the line, they win.'”

— Tim Keenan, Alabama Defensive Tackle

What’s next

The Patriots will have the opportunity to select Keenan in the middle rounds of the upcoming NFL Draft, where he could provide depth and run-stopping ability to their defensive line.

The takeaway

The Patriots' defensive front struggled at times last season, and Keenan's ability to clog running lanes and take on double teams could help shore up that area of the defense. While he had an underwhelming Combine, Keenan's leadership and upside as a run-stuffer make him an intriguing option for the Patriots in the middle rounds of the draft.