Marshawn Kneeland NFL Draft Overview
Height: Six-foot-three
Weight: 267 pounds
Position: EDGE
School: Western Michigan
2024 NFL Draft: Marshawn Kneeland Scouting Report
Likely the second MAC product off the board in this year’s draft, Marshawn Kneeland was a dominant force on the Western Michigan defensive line over the last four years. As a true freshman in 2019, Kneeland only appeared in the Broncos’ bowl game. In the COVID-shortened season in 2020, Kneeland started three games while appearing in two others. He managed 23 tackles, two tackles for loss, two sacks, and forced a fumble.
Over the next two years, Kneeland was a regular member of the defensive line and added a total of 69 tackles, 18.5 tackles for loss, six sacks, and three pass breakups. Then, in 2023, Kneeland had a breakout campaign. In total, he amassed 57 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, and forced two fumbles. The best part of his 2023 season was in the win over Saint Francis (FCS), Kneeland had a one-yard touchdown in the Broncos’ jumbo goal-line package.
Prior to the 2023 season, Kneeland reportedly nearly transferred to Colorado to join Deion Sanders’ squad. He decided against it and earned Second-Team All-MAC honors and was the Broncos’ lone Senior Bowl participant.
Strengths
- Great motor to make chase-down plays
- Can play in either two-point or three-point
- Gets through run blocks and is an overall elite run defender
- Has a great bull rush
- Can fit into any defensive scheme
- Great size
- 9.54 RAS
Weaknesses
- Defending tight ends is a weak area of his game
- Needs to add a few moves to his repertoire
- Doesn’t have the speed to win around the edge
- Missed a few tackles in the backfield
- Doesn’t have that quick first step off the line
NFL Player Comparison: Haason Reddick
Projected Round: Second Round
Best Fits: Detroit Lions, Carolina Panthers, New Orleans Saints, Buffalo Bills
Bottom Line on Marshawn Kneeland
In the era of NIL and the Transfer Portal, it’s refreshing to see an elite player stick with his Group of 5 team over transferring to a Power 5/Power 4 team. Kneeland had that opportunity and even dipped his toe in the Transfer Portal but elected to return.
Kneeland was an uber-productive, versatile edge rusher for the Broncos over his five-year career. If there’s one thing to take from Kneeland, it’s that he has a high motor and is a high-effort player. He regularly pops off the tape with his powerful bull rush and ability to stonewall ball carriers. NFL coaches are going to love his size and incredible athletic profile.
His biggest concerns lie with his missed tackles in the backfield and whether or not he will hold up against NFL-sized offensive tackles. Fair or not, there is always a concern with prospects from Group of 5 conferences due to competition level. Either way, those concerns were a bit dispelled after a strong Senior Bowl. Kneeland is currently expected to be an early day-two selection. However, there have been rumblings of him sneaking into the first round.
Main Image: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
