Draft Projection
Round 2
Overview
Kneeland is a former high school tight end and his open-field agility can be seen when he’s pursuing the football around the field. He deals consequential first blows to opponents that often create openings for him to generate movement as a run defender or pass rusher. Teams might drop him in as a 4-3 base end, but he’s actually a more consistent playmaker when he’s standing, surveying and using his athleticism rather than fist-fighting at the point of attack. He’s a forceful rusher with a relatively simple game plan, but he does have enough bend to diversify somewhat. There are some mismatched pieces in his game but he offers toughness and talent to mold.
Strengths
- Runs well and possesses agility to fluidly change directions.
- Plays with very heavy hands and makes his first hit count.
- Motor stays engaged and he’s down to chase plays all over the field.
- Sifts through moving bodies and latches into running back with good wrap.
- Generates consistent pocket push with his bull rush.
- Capable of playing with a hand down or standing.
Weaknesses
- Needs to diversify his rush attack and add a little more finesse.
- Can improve at stacking moves and setting up rush counters.
- Struggles to consistently hold the point when playing with his hand down.
- Room for improvement with hands in stacking and controlling tight ends.
- Gets pads turned and can be washed away against zone blocks