Dawson Knox, TE, Mississippi #9

6036, 257, 4.72

Notes: From Brentwood, TN. High school wide receiver and quarterback, who also competed in track & field and basketball. Modest recruit out of high school with scholarship offers from Air Force, Austin Peay and Cornell, he opted to walk-on as a linebacker at Ole Miss. Redshirted in 2015. Played in 6 games on special teams in 2016. Appeared in 10 games, making 9 starts at tight end, catching 24 passes for 321 yards (13.4 avg.) in 2017. Missed one start as a result of a targeting penalty, but started and caught 15-284 (18.9 avg.) in 2018. Has posted a 37-inch vertical jump. Can squat 550 pounds and clean 375 in the weight room. Managerial finance major who wants to eventually pursue a career as a financial advisor. Honor Roll academic student.

Positives: Very good athlete. Natural receiver. Very good hands and concentration. Extends his hands to catch the ball. Can adjust to the ball. Quick line release and can get downfield as a receiver. Viable deep threat down the middle of the field. Gets open. Good feel and creates separation from defenders in the passing game. Runs well and will fight for yards after the catch. Physical and tenacious blocker who is very effective in motion and blocking in space. Engages defenders and demonstrates solid technique. Finishes nicely once he gains momentum. Seals the edge and can hold his own on pass protection. Hard worker who has earned his way to success. Solid character and family background. Team-oriented player.

Negatives: Average natural frame and build. Lacks pop as a drive blocker and give ground at the point of attack sometimes. Gets overpowered at times. Gets tripped up low too easily sometimes.

Summary: Not a traditional in-line tight end, but a very effective move guy and slot receiver-type who is not afraid to mix it up as a blocker. Compares favorably to former Rebel Evan Engram (Giants); maybe not quite as athletic, but a better much better blocker at this stage of development. Very solid pro prospect.