2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report - Andreas Keaton

Andreas Keaton

Position: Safety - Box Safety

College: Temple University

Height: 6' 2"

Weight: 200 lbs

Class: Senior

Newt Westen

Andreas Keaton is a senior safety who played three years at Western Carolina before transferring to Temple for his final season. Despite being a zero-star recruit, Keaton has built an impressive resume, earning 2021 Southern Conference Freshman of the Year honors and 2022 Second-Team All-Southern Conference recognition. Keaton then transferred to Temple for his final season as a three-star transfer. Keaton has made his mark on both programs because of his high character and hardworking attitude. Keaton’s leadership and experience have shown in his game captain appearances for the Owls and over 2,600 collegiate snaps taken.

Keaton’s versatility is a key strength. With experience playing 38% of his snaps in the box, 37% at free safety, and 22% in the slot, he’s shown the ability to adapt to a variety of roles. His ability to diagnose plays and communicate coverage adjustments makes him a leader in the secondary. Keaton’s fluid hips and solid backpedal help him position himself well in zone coverage. When thrust into single-high looks he has held his own and shown the ability to provide support to corners over the top.

His size, football IQ, and tackling are ideal for the safety position. He's a reliable tackler who ranks in the top quartile of FBS safeties for missed tackle percentage at 12.6%. At Temple, he played both single-high and two-high safety looks but is best suited as a box safety, where his downhill movement, aggression, and sure tackling can shine. These are all elements sought by special teams coordinators who value that sure tackler to smoother opponent's return opportunities.

Keaton does have limitations in coverage and speed. He lacks the ability to play tight man coverage, which limits his effectiveness as a cover safety. His long speed is below average, which can leave him vulnerable against faster receivers. Additionally, he struggles to disengage from blocks when lined up against tight ends or receivers in space, which can impact his effectiveness against the run.

Andreas Keaton is a high-floor, low-ceiling prospect with clear strengths as a box safety and a special teams role. His leadership, experience and tackling ability make him an attractive option for teams looking for a dependable run defender and a steady presence in the secondary. While he may not be a top-tier coverage safety, his skill set makes him a valuable role and depth player with the potential to contribute to an NFL roster.

Grade: Late Day 3

Temple defensive back (2) closing in to tackle Utah State running back Rahsul Faison on September 21, 2024. (Harry Levine - Owls Daily)