The long-awaited trade by the Seahawks finally happened when they traded with the Denver Broncos. The Seahawks gave up their picks at 102 and 235. In return, they received the 121st, 136th, and picks.
With the extra bounty, the team’s first pick on the last day of the draft was linebacker Tyrice Knight from UTEP. At six feet and a half Knight weighs 233 pounds and fits into what is the makeup of a Mike Macdonald player. He is durable, versatile, and played a lot of football. Knight started three years at UTEP and was named second-team All-Conference USA in 2023 and 2022. Last year led football with 84 solo tackles and was tied for sixth with 140 tackles. He is a tackle monster who is free-flowing with good size and speed.
MEETING WITH COACHES
Leading up to the draft Knight met with head coach Mike Macdonald and came out of that meeting with respect and admiration.
“It was a straightforward man. He didn’t sugarcoat he showed me where I felt he felt like I was good and he showed me the things I need to work on you know, I respect that.” As for what position is best for him Knight , said he will play were ever the coaches ask him to play.
“I feel that I’m very versatile. I feel like I can play good in the run game, good in the pass game, I’m all around from sideline to sideline. I think I can do anything the coaches ask me to do, without any hesitation. I feel like I’m the perfect linebacker for the Seahawks. I’m glad they made this decision.”
OUTLOOK
Linebacker was a need position going into the draft so the pick makes sense. The question is whether Knight can step in right away and start at one of the linebacker positions. The team added Tyrel Dodson and Jerome Baker to potentially fill the linebacker void. Baker led the Dolphins in tackles last year, and Dodson started just one game with the Bills last year recording seven solo tackles. The opportunity for Knight to start and the very least see playing time is there.
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NFL. COM RANKING
Strengths
- Tackle monster who piled up stop after stop for three straight seasons.
- Allows his blocking keys to take him to the action.
- Dives into gaps to end the run.
- Unlocks and unloads from his hips as a wrap-up tackler in the hole.
- Adequate open-field athlete for spot drop-coverage duties.
Weaknesses
- Needs to improve his blocking-scheme recognition.
- Plays with too much guesswork pulling him out of position.
- Below-average instincts and will lose track of play design.
- Freestyler who will lose track of his run fits.
- Fails to punch and control blocks before they control him.
GRADE
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