An undrafted Virginia Tech linebacker who turned a strong rookie minicamp tryout into a contract with the Jets.
Jaden Keller spent five seasons roaming the middle of Virginia Tech's defense before going unselected in the 2026 NFL Draft. A native of Bristol, Virginia, he parlayed a standout performance at the Jets' rookie minicamp into a signed deal, entering the league as an undrafted free agent linebacker looking to carve out a special-teams and depth role.
Path to the league
Keller played 52 games across his Virginia Tech career, finishing with 181 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and two recoveries. He was not invited to the scouting combine, but his pro day numbers, including a 4.51-second 40-yard dash and a sub-seven-second three-cone drill, kept him in NFL conversations after going undrafted.
Career highlights
His best college season came in 2024, when he started seven of 13 games and totaled 83 tackles for the Hokies, establishing himself as a reliable run-and-chase linebacker over his final years in Blacksburg.
2025 season recap
Keller wrapped up his collegiate career at Virginia Tech in 2025 before entering the draft process. After going undrafted, he impressed at the Jets' rookie minicamp as a tryout invite and signed with New York on an undrafted free agent contract in May 2026.
Sources
- ESPN: Jaden Keller
- New York Jets: Jets Sign LB Jaden Keller, Waive Ochaun Mathis
Player Profile
Background
- Position
- Linebacker
- Group
- defense
- College
- Virginia Tech
- Hometown
- Bristol, TN, USA
- Age
- 23
- Status
- active
