Marshawn Kneeland 2024 NFL Draft Profile
This EDGE class for the 2024 NFL Draft is a little lackluster. In the sense that the top of the class is established, even if one of the top prospects is being overrated, but there is some nice depth to be had in the later rounds. One of the guys that could be a nice depth piece is Western Michigan’s Marshawn Kneeland. He’s been a riser since the Senior Bowl, but what does his draft profile look like? Let’s talk about it.
Kneeland, a former two-star recruit out of Grand Rapids, Michigan, committed to the Cowboys back in 2019 and played all four seasons for the team. We should talk about the lack of production at the position, only posting 13 total sacks over four seasons. Not great production from an EDGE rusher. The tackles did go up every year, ending with 57 last season, which is solid. Will the production be a concern for NFL teams?
The frame on Marshawn Kneeland is a huge plus for him. 6’3, 270 lbs with 34 1/2” arms doesn’t grow on trees. That’s something we can work with. The knee bend and agility I was not aware of until I watched him at the Senior Bowl. It’s there and will serve him well. The motor runs hot with this one, which is needed for the position. Always seems to be around the ball, which showcases that drive to make a play. I think he’s stronger In run defense, and a move to just D-End is the likely move for him in the NFL.
I’ve been told that the bull rush is the strong suit of Kneeland. My question is, how is that the case when he isn’t overly strong? Finished T-8 at the NFL Combine in reps on the bench with 21. He’s not a twitchy athlete, which limits that upside at EDGE. 4.75 at the combine, which was 19th. I just don’t see pure pass rusher. Hands are super sloppy, never landing in the same spot.
I think that Marshawn Kneeland is a project I could get behind. Is he a project I could take on day two? Not likely, however, if he’s on the board in the fourth round I would take a shot. He is one of these risers In the pre-draft process, and will likely go before I would take my shot, but I can understand if he went earlier. There are tools there that could help him succeed, but I think that happens at Defensive End.
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