New Mexico Edge Rusher Keyshawn James-Newby Meets with Broncos

The high-motor prospect is an intriguing Day 3 target for Denver.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 9:09pm

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Former New Mexico edge rusher Keyshawn James-Newby revealed in a recent interview that he has conducted a pre-draft meeting with the Denver Broncos. James-Newby, who began his collegiate career at Montana Tech before transferring to Idaho and New Mexico, is considered a likely Day 3 selection in the upcoming NFL Draft.

Why it matters

The Broncos currently have their starting outside linebackers in Nik Bonitto and Jonathon Cooper, with high-prized reserves in Jonah Elliss and Dondrea Tillman. However, if the team intends to use Elliss more at inside linebacker, James-Newby could carve out a role as a rotational pass-rusher when Bonitto or Cooper need a breather.

The details

James-Newby, a 6-foot-2, 244-pound defender, has an impressive college resume, logging 141 tackles, 24 sacks, eight passes defensed, and four forced fumbles over his collegiate career. His Pro Football Focus pass-rush grade of 92.7 last season ranked fourth among 852 qualified edge defenders.

  • James-Newby revealed the Broncos meeting in a recent interview with Sports Illustrated.

The players

Keyshawn James-Newby

A former edge rusher at New Mexico who began his collegiate career at Montana Tech and Idaho before transferring to the Lobos. He is considered a likely Day 3 selection in the upcoming NFL Draft.

Nik Bonitto

The Broncos' starting outside linebacker.

Jonathon Cooper

The Broncos' other starting outside linebacker.

Jonah Elliss

A high-prized reserve outside linebacker for the Broncos who could potentially see more time at inside linebacker.

Dondrea Tillman

Another high-prized reserve outside linebacker for the Broncos.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Keyshawn James-Newby, Former New Mexico Edge Rusher

“From Montana Tech to Idaho to New Mexico, James-Newby has stayed hungry and productive at every stop. He's undersized by NFL standards but plays much longer than he measures. He keeps his eyes on the prize instead of getting locked into long battles with the blocks in front of him. Power and length get the best of him, but not as often as I expected. He flashes good get-off, smart angles and efficient cornering that keeps him tight to the pocket as a rusher. James-Newby's rush lacks diversity but a dangerous stab move is waiting to be unlocked. His high motor and disruptive ability should make him a solid sub-package edge rusher.”

— NFL Media Scouting Profile

What’s next

The Broncos will likely continue evaluating James-Newby and other potential Day 3 edge rushers as they finalize their draft board ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.

The takeaway

James-Newby's meeting with the Broncos suggests the team is doing its due diligence on potential late-round pass-rushing options to complement their existing starters and high-prized reserves at outside linebacker. His high motor and disruptive ability could make him an intriguing developmental prospect for Denver.