PLAYER PROFILE: Dawson Knox, TE, Ole Miss

Photo Credit: Nelson Chenault (USA Today Sports)

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On an offense loaded with talent, Dawson Knox often got overshadowed, but that doesn’t mean he’s going to go overlooked in the draft. Knox improved his blocking as a redshirt junior and can offer an NFL team help in the running game, at minimum. He was effective out of the slot and was capable of making plays downfield, though he only totaled 39 receptions in his Ole Miss while surrounded by D.K. Metcalf, DaMarkus Lodge and A.J. Brown. Knox tested well in quickness at the combine, then wowed at his Pro Day with a 4.57 40-yard dash that would’ve ranked third at his position in Indy. He’s a bit unpracticed as a pass-catcher, but Knox could wind up a mid-round selection thanks to his other traits.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=skpconXCJEc

Size

6-4, 254 pounds

Combine notables

Bench: 16 reps (5th worst at position)
Vertical: 34.5 inches (6th at position)
3-cone drill: 7.12 seconds (4th at position)
20-yard shuttle: 4.27 seconds (5th at position)

What the analysts say

“Outstanding combination of measurables and traits, but he’s much more moldable clay than game-ready prospect at this point. Knox lacks early speed and short-area quickness which could limit his ability to uncover underneath but he’s much more dangerous when allowed to roam the middle of the field as a more linear route-worker. His pass-catching production may never matchup with the testing numbers, but his aggressiveness and talent as a run-blocker could provide him work as a combo tight end for years to come.” – Lance Zierlein, NFL.com

“All of the traits are there to be a no. 1 tight end for a team in the NFL, but the only area Knox really improved in this past season was blocking, and his skill set as a receiver still needs considerable work. Knox’s landing spot is critical to his pro outlook as he has only spent two seasons at the tight end position, and in the pre-draft timeframe, trust will be a big part of the evaluation. A la George Kittle, Knox has the tangible and intangible traits you take a risk on developing in the 40-70 range of the draft despite his lack of usage as a receiver in college.” – Jon Ledyard, The Draft Network

What PFF says

-14th in drop rate (6.3 percent)
-8th in slot yards

Chart via Pro Football Focus Draft Guide

CHECK OUT THE REST OF THE
ZONE COVERAGE DRAFT GUIDE

TOP 40 PLAYERS
MINNESOTA VIKINGS NEEDS & TARGETS
POSITIONAL TOP 5 RANKINGS & VIDEO BREAKDOWNS
MINNESOTA VIKINGS DRAFT TRENDS
INMAN: NFC NORTH WORST CASE DRAFT SCENARIOS
SENIOR BOWL CENTRAL (PODCASTS, VIDEOS, ARTICLES)
INMAN’S MOCK DRAFT COLLECTION

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