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Marshawn Kneeland Scouting Report
By Charlie Campbell
Strengths:
- Physical pass rusher
- Instincts
- Smart player; sets up tackles for his moves
- Strong
- Plays hard
- Good get-off
- Good pursuit defender
- Agility to dodge blockers on the run
- Pursuit run defense
- Athletic
- Enough speed to get around the corner
- Good motor
- Plays bigger
- Closing speed
- At his best working upfield
Weaknesses:
- Stiff
- Limited athlete
- Could have issues defending a run downhill straight at him
- Can get knocked off balance by contact in the ground game
- Lacks some length
Prospect Summary:
In the passing-driven NFL, edge defenders who can get after the quarterback are always in demand. With his size, strength and motor, there should be plenty of teams considering using a pick on Kneeland in the 2024 NFL Draft.
While Kneeland did not generate huge production in college, he played well enough to intrigue pro evaluators. In 2021 as a sophomore, Kneeland recorded 4.5 sacks, 7.5 tackles for a loss, and 32 tackles. His sack production dipped to 1.5 sacks in 2022, but he had 10 tackles for a loss alongside 37 stops. Kneeland only played in nine games as senior while totaling 57 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 7.5 tackles for a loss and two forced fumbles. He received a Senior Bowl invitation and had a solid week in Mobile.
Kneeland is a dangerous pass rusher with a nose for the quarterback. Kneeland has a nice repertoire of moves and is very physical with offensive tackle. He is strong to push through blockers, showing a vigorous bull rush and rip move to get tackles moving backward to the quarterback. After getting a push, Kneeland can shed blocks with his strength and consume the signal-caller. Once Kneeland breaks free, he has the closing speed to finish the play and get to the quarterback. In the NFL, he won’t overwhelm offensive tackles with explosive speed or agility. Kneeland has athletic limitations and stiffness that make him more of a second-day prospect for the 2024 NFL Draft.
As a run defender, Kneeland is strong and capable of holding his ground. He gives a good effort and plays tough. Kneeland will fight hard to get off blocks and pursues backs out of his gap. Kneeland lacks some length, but as a pro, he could become a solid edge setter in the ground game.
Team sources said Kneeland will probably go in the second or third round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Prospect Comparison:
Jonathan Greenard. Kneeland is somewhat reminiscent of Greenard coming out of Florida. They both were strong edge rushers who played hard but faced some limitations with stiffness and athleticism. Greenard (6-3, 265) and Kneeland are almost identical in size. Greenard was a second-day pick who turned into a good starter, and Kneeland has that potential as well.
RELATED LINKS:
2024 NFL Mock Draft - April 23
NFL Power Rankings - Feb. 22
Fantasy Football Rankings - Feb. 19
NFL Picks - Feb. 12
