:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63732881/usa_today_12275493.0.jpg)
Coming out of Ole Miss, new Buffalo Bills tight end, Dawson Knox, had hardly any production. With only 15 catches for 284 yards in his redshirt junior season and no touchdowns throughout his collegiate career, Knox was still one of the better tight ends in the 2019 NFL Draft and was even regarded as the fourth best prospect by some behind the trio of T.J. Hockenson, Noah Fant and Irv Smith Jr.
Joe Marino of The Draft Network and Lance Zierlein of NFL.com have this to say about Knox:
Joe Marino
A high school quarterback, Knox transitioned to tight end at Ole Miss but never became a prominent component of the passing game. With that said, there have been exciting flashes as a receiver although they are few and far between. There is considerable work needed as a route runner for Knox to find success catching the football at the next level, not to mention so inconsistency with his hands to clean up. As a blocker, Knox is more developed and has upside both on the move and in-line. Knox is a project, but he can be a worthy one to invest in. He has the ceiling of a quality TE2 and potential starter in time but patience is required.
Lance Zierlein
Outstanding combination of measurables and traits, but he’s much more moldable clay than game-ready prospect at this point. Knox lacks early speed and short-area quickness which could limit his ability to uncover underneath but he’s much more dangerous when allowed to roam the middle of the field as a more linear route-worker. His pass-catching production may never matchup with the testing numbers, but his aggressiveness and talent as a run-blocker could provide him work as a combo tight end for years to come.
The Bills took Knox right around the spot he was projected to go and some could argue that he fell a bit to 96th overall. With only Jason Croom and Tyler Kroft at the tight-end spot as pass catchers, Knox has a legitimate shot to be a day-one starter with a big role in the Bills’ offense. Kroft hasn't had much production in the NFL, Croom is still a wild card and Jake Fisher’s role will likely come mainly as an extra blocker. When training camp comes around, I expect there to be a competition at tight end.