2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Keyshawn James-Newby, Edge, New Mexico

It is never too early to begin watching prospects for the 2026 NFL Draft. General manager Jason Licht has made the draft the key cog in the Buccaneers’ machine for roster building and long-term roster sustainability.

We will be covering every position group throughout the draft cycle. Not every prospect will directly align with an immediate Buccaneers need, but value, development, and future roster planning always matter. Edge rusher, in particular, is a position that Tampa Bay has a major need to invest in this offseason, and depth along the defensive front remains critical in Todd Bowles’ scheme moving forward.

With that in mind, here is our scouting report on New Mexico EDGE Keyshawn James-Newby, a Shrine Bowl invitee with a unique developmental path and proven production with multiple collegiate stops.

Information

Height / Weight: 6-3, 245 lbs.
Date of Birth: August 8, 2002
All-Star Game: East-West Shrine Bowl
Previous Schools: Montana Tech, Idaho

Background

First Team All-Big Sky (2024)
AFCA FCS All-American (2024)
Shrine Bowl participant (High School & College)
Multi-level producer across NAIA, FCS, and FBS football
Earned a degree in Liberal Arts from Idaho

James-Newby’s path is anything but conventional. He spent two seasons at Montana Tech before transferring to Idaho, where he emerged as one of the most disruptive defenders in the Big Sky. His final jump to New Mexico tested whether his pass-rush traits would translate against higher-level competition, and the results were rather encouraging in his solo season at New Mexico State.

Notable Production

PFF Defensive Grade: 89.0
PFF Pass Rush Grade: 93.0
PFF Run Defense Grade: 71.5

Career (All Schools):

Multiple double-digit sack seasons
Consistent tackle-for-loss production
Proven ability to affect games against Power Five opponents

Notable PFF Numbers

2025 PFF Defensive Grade: 89.0
2025 PFF Pass Rush Grade: 93.0
Career Sacks (PFF-tracked): 27
Missed Tackle Rate (Career): 27.6%

James-Newby’s pass-rush efficiency stands out immediately on tape and in the grading. His pressure totals are legitimate, and he consistently wins with first-step explosiveness and length rather than manufactured scheme looks.

Skills

Explosive first step off the line
Natural edge bend and flexibility
Strong hand usage and counter development
Relentless motor from snap to whistle
Comfortable rushing from both two- and three-point stances

Player Summary

Keyshawn James-Newby’s path to the 2026 NFL Draft is defined by production and translation. After dominating at the FCS level, he made the jump to FBS competition in 2025 and showed his pass-rush impact carried over without drop-off.

At New Mexico, James-Newby played 683 defensive snaps and posted an 89.0 PFF Defensive Grade, highlighted by a 93.0 PFF Pass Rush Grade. He generated consistent disruption throughout the season with 74 total pressures, 10 sacks, 9 quarterback hits, and 55 hurries, establishing himself as one of the most productive Group of Five edge defenders in the draft class.

He also showed he can stay on the field beyond passing downs, finishing with 32 tackles, 10 run stops, and a 71.5 PFF Run Defense Grade. James-Newby’s motor, length, and first-step quickness allow him to win with both speed and effort, while his experience across multiple systems shows up in his awareness and discipline.

The 2025 season solidified James-Newby as a legitimate NFL edge prospect rather than a projection. His tape points to early rotational value with upside to develop into a three-down contributor, making him a name worth monitoring in the 2026 draft cycle.

This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: NFL Draft Scouting Report: Keyshawn James-Newby, Edge, New Mexico

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