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Photo of Terrance Knighton
Grade
?
  • 5.33 SEC
    Top Performer
  • 28.0 INCH
    Top Performer
  • 103.0 INCH
    Top Performer
  • 7.90 SEC
    Top Performer
  • 4.78 SEC
    Top Performer
  • 6'3" Height
  • 321LBS. Weight

Overview

Knighton's large body and fair athleticism is coveted by NFL scouts. The 2008 first-team All-MAC pick contributed heavily as a true freshman (after a post-graduate year at Milford Academy) before earning the starting nod in each of the next three seasons. He averaged 56 tackles, 7.5 for loss and four pass breakups from 2006-2008, while recovering six fumbles and blocking four kicks over the past two years. Teams looking for a one-gap 4-3 nose tackle will be most interested in Knighton.

Analysis

Strengths

Positives: Good height, length and girth for his position. ... Better-than-expected straight-line speed and change-of-direction ability, able to sniff out and disrupt screen plays. ... Will chase plays downfield. ... Strong upfield rush, either up the shoulder of his defender or splitting double teams. ... Uses his long arms to wrap up in the open field or track down ballcarriers coming through the hole. ... Flashes violent hands, especially when his man retreats off the snap in passing situations. ... Active knocking down passes and blocking field goals because of his push, arm length and large hands. ... Keeps cut blocks off his knees. ... Athletic enough to quickly jump on loose balls and get down quickly in short-yardage situations. Negatives: Might be a nose tackle and three-technique "tweener." ... Not particularly explosive off the snap. ... Doesn't play as strong as his size would indicate and he will stand after the snap, giving up leverage. ... Needs to use his hands more consistently at the line to free himself to make plays or to bull rush his man into the pocket. ... Doesn't have many pass rush moves. ... Must be more consistent pressing after the initial pop.
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Grade Title Draft (Round) Description
96-100 Future Hall of Famer Top Pick A once-in-a-generation type prospect who could change how his position is played
85-95 Immediate Starter 1st An impact player with the ability/intangibles to become a Pro Bowl player. Expect to start immediately except in a unique situation (i.e. behind a veteran starter).
70-84 Eventual Starter 2nd-3rd A quality player who will contribute to the team early on and is expected to develop into a starter. A reliable player who brings value to the position.
50-69 Draftable Player 4th-7th A prospect with the ability to make team as a backup/role player. Needs to be a special teams contributor at applicable positions. Players in the high range of this category might have long-term potential.
20-49 Free Agent UDFA A player with solid measurables, intangibles, college achievements, or a developing skill that warrants an opportunity in an NFL camp. In the right situation, he could earn a place on a 53-man roster, but most likely will be a practice squad player or a camp body.

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