Dawson Knox 2019 NFL Draft Profile

Dawson Knox 2019 NFL Draft Profile

Dawson Knox has progressed from walk-on at Ole Miss to late riser in the draft process, and has done so without a great deal of production for the Rebels. Scarcely used in an overly-simplistic Ole Miss passing game, Knox is a player who doesn’t even look to have scratched the surface of what he can do as a receiver.

What his limited reps as a pass-catcher did show, however, was a tight end with dependable hands who can stretch the field and gain a step on linebackers and safeties.

Impressive athletic testing numbers are a reason for even greater intrigue and, though Knox has some way to go in terms of learning a full route tree, it is not hard to envision him developing into a difference maker as a receiver and as a blocker.

Strengths

Very good catcher of the football, attacks the ball with his hands, rarely committing drops;

Can catch the ball outside of his frame and make diving catches. Consistently shows the ability to adjust to the ball in the air;

Impressive athlete who runs routes with strong burst off the line;

Has the speed to get a step on defenders downfield;

Fluid mover who can change direction easily;

Experience of excelling in the run game, opens holes as a lead blocker, can get to the second level to take on defenders in space. Able to turn and seal defenders away from the ball;

Shows willingness to finish blocks and drive defenders into turf.

Weaknesses

Ran limited route tree at Ole Miss, largely used on downfield and on crossing routes;

Benefited from a lot of free releases but struggled when played tight and crowded at the catch point;

Longer skinnier frame showed up in pass protection, where he was easily bullied off ball by edge defenders and safeties alike;

Abandons technique as a blocker when unable to square up, has a tendency to just launch himself into contact;

Does not have history of production at Ole Miss – 39 catches and zero touchdowns in his college career.

NFL Comparison: Hayden Hurst

Projection: Third round

Bottom Line

Knox is a tough projection because he received so little work in the passing game at Ole Miss, however, his athleticism, ability to stretch the field and strong hands should translate well to the NFL level while his vast experience as a blocker should enable him to see the field early and often in his pro career. He still has improvements to make in that regard but should he make those strides and demonstrate similar progress as a route-runner, then he can become an every-down tight end who is versatile enough to be moved to numerous spots on the field.