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Saints undrafted free agents: USC defensive tackle Keeshawn Silver
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- Saints undrafted free agents: USC defensive tackle Keeshawn Silver
Defensive tackle was a point of focus for the New Orleans Saints during the 2026 NFL Draft. The Saints checked a big need, both literally and figuratively, when they drafted Georgia Bulldogs defensive tackle Christen Miller with a second round choice. While New Orleans didn't draft another defensive lineman, they did make it a point of emphasis after the draft. Former USC Trojans defensive tackle Keeshawn Silver was one of three undrafted interior linemen added by the Saints at the draft's conclusion.
Mississippi defensive tackle Zxavian Harris may have been the most highly publicized name of the undrafted group. However, the Saints have clearly prioritized getting bigger and better in the middle of their defense. Here's a look at what Silver is bringing to the competition.
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Keeshawn Silver bio
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Position: Defensive tackle
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College: USC Trojans
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Height: 6-feet, 3 inches
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Weight: 315 pounds
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40-yard dash: 4.90 seconds
Strengths
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Outstanding wingspan and long frame
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Nice agility
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Possesses good upper and lower body power
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Good speed in pursuit with nice closing burst to the ball
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Athletic enough to play end in 3-man fronts
Weaknesses
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Must improve leverage to maximize strength
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Needs better upper body technique to shed blockers
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Has shown little as a pass rusher
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Struggles against double-teams
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Victim to too many cut blocks
Silver started his college career with the North Carolina Tar Heels as a five-star high school recruit, but transferred to the Kentucky Wildcats after two years of little activity. He'd have more success at Kentucky through 2023 and 2024 before jumping to USC to finish out his career. Silver possesses the size and enough agility, but the consistent production has never been there.
After a few years of struggling in the middle up front, the Saints have made a concentrated effort to improve. Christen Miller will spearhead that charge, with Zxavian Miller figuring to be a factor if he puts his legal issues behind him. Don't rule out Keeshawn Silver from grabbing a spot in the rotation. The Saints are in need of a quality rotation in the middle, and Silver can play multiple spots up front if he can improve his leverage to take advantage of his strength.
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This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Saints undrafted free agents: USC defensive tackle Keeshawn Silver
