Summary

Demetrius Knight Jr. was selected in Round 2 (#49 Overall) out of the University of South Carolina, after transferring from Georgia Tech. Across his collegiate career, he has accumulated 200+ total tackles, 20+ tackles for loss, multiple sacks, interceptions, and forced fumbles, serving as a reliable run defender and tone-setter. At South Carolina, he emerged as a defensive leader, posting 90+ tackles in a single season and earning team leadership recognition for his consistency and toughness. Knight is regarded as a high-character, mature, and disciplined player, praised by coaches for his work ethic, football intelligence, and accountability.

Strengths

• Run Defense Physicality: Plays downhill with force as a reliable finisher between the tackles. Strong fundamentals and consistently wraps and drives through contact.

• Elite Processing & Recognition: Reads run concepts quickly and understands gap responsibilities. Comfortable adjusting to new systems and coaching.

• Block Destruction: Willing to take on guards and tight ends and fights to stay clean. Chases plays sideline-to-sideline within range with intent to ruin moods.

• Leadership Traits: Vocal communicator who sets front-seven alignment. Size, toughness, and effort project well to core units despite earning a starting role.

Weaknesses

• Top-End Speed: Though he tested out better than expected in the forty, lacks elite range against perimeter speed and stretch concepts in game speed.

• Man Coverage Ceiling: Can be stressed by athletic tight ends and backs in space. More linear than fluid when redirecting, pivoting or backpedaling.

• Explosiveness: Wins with anticipation and strength rather than sudden burst.

• Blitz Impact: Functional but not a high-level pressure creator, but there is a lot of room for growth in this department.

Outlook

Demetrius Knight Jr. is best suited for physical, disciplined defensive systems that emphasize gap integrity, downhill play, and communication at linebacker. He fits naturally as a MIKE or strong-side linebacker in base fronts, where he can operate between the tackles, diagnose quickly, and bring physicality to the run game. Pairing him with a rangier coverage linebacker would maximize his effectiveness and protect him from frequent isolation in space. While athletic limitations cap three-down upside, his toughness, intelligence, and leadership give him a high floor as a depth linebacker and core special teams contributor. With continued refinement in coverage technique, Knight has the tools to carve out a reliable rotational role and earn trust within an NFL defensive unit and has immediately earned a starting role in Al Golden’s defense, paving the way to make incumbent veteran Logan Wilson available as trade fodder before the deadline.