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.
An explosive cornerback prospect with intoxicating long speed, Lovely fails to fully capitalize on his dynamic athletic traits. His tape can be frustrating, as he simply doesn’t play with enough anticipation or aggression to squeeze the route and jump the throws. He can make up ground when he falls behind and has an instant accelerator to break downhill on throws. Lovely’s athleticism, speed and potential might be worth a look, but he will likely need to show more of a willingness to take chances in coverage before he can earn a roster spot.
