Gang Green Nation
Over the last few months, we’ve been breaking down all undrafted free agents signed by the Jets. We continue today with former Virginia Tech linebacker Jaden Keller.
The 23-year old Keller is listed at 6’3” and 235 pounds and started 17 games in his five-year college career. He led the Hokies in tackles in 2024.
Background
Keller was a three-star safety prospect as a high school recruit and headed to Virginia Tech in 2021. In his first season, he didn’t record any stats in four appearances before opting to redshirt.
As a redshirt freshman in 2022, he started two games and ended up with 25 tackles, a sack and a forced fumble in 11 appearances. He then posted similar numbers in 2023 with 23 tackles and two tackles for loss as he started two of 13 games.
His role increased significantly in 2024, as Keller led the team with 83 tackles in 13 games, seven of which he started. He added a pass defensed and two fumble recoveries.
2025 saw him starting six of 11 games as he ended up with 50 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, half a sack, a pass defensed and a forced fumble.
Keller was not invited to the scouting combine and wasn’t considered likely to be drafted. Having been unable to secure an undrafted free agent contract, he attended the Jets’ rookie minicamp on a tryout basis but the Jets signed him after that.
Let’s move onto some more in-depth analysis of what Keller brings to the table, based on in-depth research and film study.
Measurables/Athleticism
Keller has decent size and length and posted excellent athletic numbers at his pro day workout. He ran a 4.51 in the 40-yard dash with excellent explosiveness and agility numbers, including a sub-seven second three-cone drill. He also posted 21 bench press reps.
Usage
Keller played in an off-ball role with the Hokies, often covering a receiver in the slot or out wide. They usually played with four-man fronts and two off-ball linebackers.
He primarily played as the will linebacker but did practice for a potential mike role as well.
Run defense
Keller was productive against the run, but his grades according to analysis sites such as Pro Football Focus tended to be average.
His quickness and athleticism can be useful on run defense, as he can cover plenty of ground from sideline-to-sideline and closes fast on ball carriers.
He is at his best when he is able to avoid blockers getting their hands on him, but can take false steps and hesitate while making his initial reads. This can also mean that he is sometimes out of control when pursuing downhill which can lead to overpursuit or being angled off due to his momentum being used against him.
Coverage skills
Keller’s coverage role typically saw him working close to the line of scrimmage and limiting yardage on short passes. He was usually employed more in zone coverages than man-to-man assignments.
Over the course of his career, he gave...
