was slated as 7th round pick so will be thought of as a reach by many. I think this is a McDonald pick all the way,
DRAFT PROFILE: BIO
Tyrice Knight from Lake Gibson High School was rated a 2-star recruit by ESPN and handed a 3-star grade by 247 Sports. After high school, Knight joined UTEP.
In 2020 as a freshman Knight saw action in 8 games and played a total of 390 snaps at linebacker for the Miners. He recorded 40 tackles, 12 assists, while adding 21 stops. In coverage Knight notched up no pass breakups, no interceptions, and QB rating when targeted of 99.1. As a pass rusher, he added 5 total pressures, which included 2 QB hurries, one QB hit, and 2 sacks on the season.
As a sophomore for the Miners in 2021 Knight played in 13 games and took part in 810 snaps for the Miners. He recorded solid 85 tackles, 29 assists, while adding 48 stops. In coverage Knight made 4 pass breakups, one interception, and QB rating when targeted of 95.2. As a pass rusher, he chalked up 12 total pressures, and 7 QB hurries, 3 QB hits, and 2 sacks during the year.
In 2022 as a junior Knight played in 12 games and contributed on 736 snaps. He recorded solid 59 tackles, 35 assists while making 30 stops. In coverage Knight chalked up 2 pass breakups, one interception, and QB rating when targeted of 111.2. As a pass rusher, he produced 14 total pressures, which included 5 QB hurries, 8 QB hits, and one sack on the year.
In 2023 as a senior Knight logged playing time in 12 games and logged a total of 779 snaps for the Miners. He also added a massive 117 tackles, 19 assists, and 75 stops. While in coverage Knight made 2 pass breakups, no interceptions, and QB rating when targeted of 106.9. As a pass rusher, he tallied 14 total pressures, which included 9 QB hurries, no QB hits, and 5 sacks on the season.
SCOUTING REPORT: STRENGTHS
- Closes quickly on relatively immobile quarterbacks. A consistently heavy hitter who flashes explosiveness and the ability to separate the ball.
- He’s an explosive mover who plays an aggressive, physical style. He’s extremely instinctive playing the run, and when Knight was at his best, he showed sideline-to-sideline range.
- An instinctive run defender who is quick to read and react, he is consistently in the right spot at the right time.
- Knight shows good speed and closing burst when blitzing.
- Downhill defender and physical tackler. Uses his eyes to decipher and break down the play, showing good awareness and discipline to sniff out fakes.
- A chase-and-tackle Will prospect, he is instinctive, reading and reacting quickly and showing the ability to absolutely fly around the field.