Raiders Draft Prospect: Linebacker Knight of UTEP
The NFL offseason is in full swing.
Now that the legal tampering period for free agency has begun, many teams including the Las Vegas Raiders, have made big splashes for free agents to improve their rosters.
The Raiders signed Christian Wilkins, one of the best defensive tackles in the NFL, to a four-year, $110-million contract. His presence on the interior will open up the defensive line for edge rushers Maxx Crosby and Malcolm Koonce.
However, the Raiders still have work to do to turn their roster into one that can compete for a postseason spot. Las Vegas lost some of its top players from last season and needs to find replacements.
While they have not lost any linebackers, they can still address this position in the 2024 NFL Draft. One player they could consider during the late rounds is Tyrice Knight of Texas-El Paso.
Knight, a former community college standout, spent four seasons with UTEP, finishing his career with 390 total tackles, 32 tackles for losses, four forced fumbles, 16 passes defended, two interceptions, and eight and a half sacks. He was selected First-Team All-Conference USA in 2023.
The Las Vegas Raiders could improve their linebacker depth with UTEP's Tyrice Knight in the 2024 NFL Draft.
HELEN COMER/The Daily News Journal-USA TODAY NETWORK
Knight has solid size at 6 feet tall and 233 pounds. He posted good numbers at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, Ind., showing his impressive athleticism.
Knight is a tackling machine, which should entice teams. He had two seasons with 100 or more tackles, including a 140-tackle season in 2023. Knight is a bulking presence with a big, muscular frame who can move well to make plays on ball carriers.
Knight is at his best when he is playing the run. He has good instincts to diagnose plays and quickly get after them. His large frame allows him to get off blocks efficiently so he is not taken out of the play.
While he is a good run defender, Knight also holds up reasonably well against the pass, and can move well laterally to cover open space.
Knight is a smart player but can still improve his decision-making and play recognition. If he can do that, he has a real shot at being a three-down linebacker in the NFL.
Right now, Knight is projected to be a day-three selection who can provide depth and potential special teams contribution. If the Raiders are looking for those things, Knight could be a good fit.
The NFL Draft will be held in Detroit, Mich., on April 25-27, 2024. The Las Vegas Raiders currently have the No. 13 overall pick.
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