Marshawn Kneeland EDGE Western Michigan: Scouting Report

Height: 6’3

Weight: 268

Overall

Marshawn Kneeland is an undersized edge rusher in Western Michigan’s 4-3 hybrid defense. In his 5 collegiate seasons, he played in 38 games with 35 starts. He had consistent production over his last 3 seasons with the Broncos and he shows flashes as a pass rusher to have success at the next level.

Pass Game

In the pass game, Kneeland lined up both on the line and as a stand up rusher when pass-rushing. He has sufficient speed off the line of scrimmage but lacks the explosiveness in his first step to make an impact early in his reps. He has good hand strength to drive linemen back on bullrushes at times. He shows very little when it comes to a pass rush repertoire. He plays with a very high motor but his lack of size makes it difficult for him to shed blocks after initial contact. He has good bend on the edge and good closing speed on the quarterback when gets past his man. He was rarely used in coverage on film but he has the speed and athleticism to cover flat routes in zone coverage and potentially be used in man against bigger running backs.

Run Game

In the run game, Kneeland lacks the strength to consistently set the edge on outside runs. When matched up against tight ends he has the power to drive them off the ball and make the play, but against linemen, he lacks the size to hold his ground and he is the one often driven back off the line of scrimmage. He struggles getting off blocks after initial contact and he gets swallowed up by bigger offensive tackles. He continues to show his high motor and he is excellent in his pursuit of the football down the field but at the point of attack, he does not have the size and strength to consistently defend against the run.

Last Word

Kneeland projects best as an outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme where he can rush the passer from the 7 and 9 technique or as a 3rd down pass-rushing specialist on the edge in a 4-3. His lack of size and power at the point of attack will make it difficult for him to consistently defend against the run at the next level. As a pass-rusher though, he shows flashes of having the speed and bend to make an impact on the outside making him a good option on 3rd downs. His effort will allow him to make an immediate impact on special teams as well.

One-Liner: Marshawn Kneeland plays with a high motor and shows flashes of being able to get to the quarterback but his lack of size and strength against the run as well as a lack of pass rush repertoire makes him a depth player in the NFL.

Grade: 6.2 (Backup with True Position Flexibility)

Games Watched: 2023 - Iowa, Syracuse, Central Michigan

Team Fits: Carolina Panthers, New England Patriots, Philadelphia Eagles