Summary

Dawson Knox was selected in Round 3 (#96 Overall) of the 2019 NFL Draft out of the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss). Despite limited collegiate production due to a run-heavy offensive system and a crowded depth chart, Knox entered the NFL as a high-upside projection based on athletic traits and developmental potential. At Ole Miss, he totaled 39 receptions for 605 yards and 4 touchdowns, flashing vertical ability and size-speed traits rather than volume production. In the NFL, Knox developed into a starting-caliber tight end and an important component of Buffalo’s offense. Through the 2024 season, he has accumulated 3,000+ receiving yards and 30+ touchdowns, highlighted by a breakout 2021 season (49 receptions, 587 yards, 9 touchdowns) that earned him Pro Bowl honors. Knox has been a consistent red-zone threat and reliable run blocker in Buffalo’s system. He is widely regarded as a high-character, resilient, and professional teammate, praised for toughness, work ethic, leadership, and perseverance through both on-field and personal adversity.

Strengths

• Size-Speed Combination: Good vertical athleticism for the position and effective seam threat, where he builds speed quickly. Capable of aligning in-line, off the line, or in motion.

• Red-Zone Production: Despite very poor touchdown performance in college, has shown strong chemistry with quarterback and effective on play-action and leaks.

• Run Blocking: Physical, willing blocker who sets edges and sustains contact. Plays through contact with a competitive demeanor snap-to-snap.

• Improved Hands: Significant improvement in catch reliability since early career.

Weaknesses

• Route Nuance: Relies more on athleticism than detailed route manipulation. Can struggle to create consistent space without schemed leverage.

• Catch Consistency: Early-career drop issues still show up occasionally.

• YAC Creativity: More north-south than elusive after the catch. Best production comes off play-action and defined concepts.

• Target Volume Ceiling: Not a true high-volume receiving tight end, especially since the acquisition of Dalton Kincaid carving into his target share.

Outlook

Knox is best suited for balanced, play-action–based offenses that value tight end versatility, physicality, and red-zone efficiency. He thrives when paired with a complementary receiving tight end like Dalton Kincaid, allowing him to function as both a blocker and situational pass catcher rather than a primary target. In Buffalo, his presence allows the offense to disguise intentions and remain effective in multiple personnel groupings. Looking ahead, Knox projects as a high-end TE2 or situational TE1 whose value is rooted in reliability, toughness, and scoring efficiency rather than target volume. While he may not drive an offense as a featured receiving threat, his blocking, red-zone value, and professionalism provide a high floor and winning-role impact. Knox remains a valuable complementary piece for playoff-caliber offenses that prioritize versatility and physical execution.