- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 1,130,362
- Reaction score
- 59
Keyshawn James-Newby’s fit with the Seattle Seahawks goes far beyond his size, speed and production.
He’s not heralded as an underrated 2026 NFL Draft prospect for his measurables. They showed clear signs of athleticism that backed up his stellar season’s worth of tape, but didn’t boost his stock to new heights for those unfamiliar. It merely confirmed the ideas those familiar with him already had.
By the time University of New Mexico held their Pro Day on March 23rd, the Seahawks’ scouting department had already done their homework. They invited James-Newby for a top-30 visit just two weeks later. The visit occurred yesterday behind closed doors, but there was one Washingtonian who had an up-close look at Newby for the entire 2025 season.
Fellow UNM defensive end Cody Thumlert is a local Eastside Catholic high school alum who committed to Idaho when James-Newby played there under head coach Jason Eck. When Eck took the New Mexico job, James-Newby followed as an upperclassman leader and Thumlert switched his commitment. This new edition of the UNM program led the Lobos to their first bowl game since 2016 and played two Big Ten teams extremely close- opening against No. 14 Michigan and keeping the game within 10 points for more than three quarters, then losing a 17-20 nail-biter to Minnesota in overtime of the Rate Bowl. In the process, James-Newby went from a relatively unknown FCS transfer to a starling sleeper prospect in NFL circles. According to his understudy Thumlert, his off-the-field presence shined through just as much within the program.
Thumlert said James-Newby led the team in more than just sacks.
“He set a precedent in the room with his performance on and off the field and he went out of his way to be a mentor for others.”
Thumlert also spoke of him as a natural leader from work ethic, experience, and example.
“One thing that truly set Keyshawn apart was the attitude and the work ethic that he brought into the facility. He kept things positive and made sure everyone fed off his energy.”
“As someone entering my first season of college football, he was a great asset to learn from. With his experience at multiple levels and under several coaching staffs, he provided valuable insight into what it takes to be successful at the Division I level.”
“Keyshawn always had a positive attitude and made sure everyone in the defensive line room was elevating. As soon as I got there, he began helping me improve my pass rush and understand the ins- and outs- of a college playbook. He was a leader not only in the defensive line room, but also off the field.”
Even in a deep DE class, the Seahawks felt he was worth a top-30 visit. When considering his sleeper hype among draft analysts, his production on tape, and the glowing reviews he gets as a human to have in the building, it’s apparent why James-Newby separates among his peers.
This article originally appeared on Seahawks Wire: Seahawks: New Mexico EDGE Keyshawn-James Newby's human fit in Seattle
Continue reading...
He’s not heralded as an underrated 2026 NFL Draft prospect for his measurables. They showed clear signs of athleticism that backed up his stellar season’s worth of tape, but didn’t boost his stock to new heights for those unfamiliar. It merely confirmed the ideas those familiar with him already had.
By the time University of New Mexico held their Pro Day on March 23rd, the Seahawks’ scouting department had already done their homework. They invited James-Newby for a top-30 visit just two weeks later. The visit occurred yesterday behind closed doors, but there was one Washingtonian who had an up-close look at Newby for the entire 2025 season.
Fellow UNM defensive end Cody Thumlert is a local Eastside Catholic high school alum who committed to Idaho when James-Newby played there under head coach Jason Eck. When Eck took the New Mexico job, James-Newby followed as an upperclassman leader and Thumlert switched his commitment. This new edition of the UNM program led the Lobos to their first bowl game since 2016 and played two Big Ten teams extremely close- opening against No. 14 Michigan and keeping the game within 10 points for more than three quarters, then losing a 17-20 nail-biter to Minnesota in overtime of the Rate Bowl. In the process, James-Newby went from a relatively unknown FCS transfer to a starling sleeper prospect in NFL circles. According to his understudy Thumlert, his off-the-field presence shined through just as much within the program.
Thumlert said James-Newby led the team in more than just sacks.
“He set a precedent in the room with his performance on and off the field and he went out of his way to be a mentor for others.”
Thumlert also spoke of him as a natural leader from work ethic, experience, and example.
“One thing that truly set Keyshawn apart was the attitude and the work ethic that he brought into the facility. He kept things positive and made sure everyone fed off his energy.”
“As someone entering my first season of college football, he was a great asset to learn from. With his experience at multiple levels and under several coaching staffs, he provided valuable insight into what it takes to be successful at the Division I level.”
“Keyshawn always had a positive attitude and made sure everyone in the defensive line room was elevating. As soon as I got there, he began helping me improve my pass rush and understand the ins- and outs- of a college playbook. He was a leader not only in the defensive line room, but also off the field.”
Even in a deep DE class, the Seahawks felt he was worth a top-30 visit. When considering his sleeper hype among draft analysts, his production on tape, and the glowing reviews he gets as a human to have in the building, it’s apparent why James-Newby separates among his peers.
This article originally appeared on Seahawks Wire: Seahawks: New Mexico EDGE Keyshawn-James Newby's human fit in Seattle
Continue reading...
