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Raiders Draft Prospect: LB Tyrice Knight, UTEP

Originally posted on FanNation Raider Maven
By Carter Landis | Last updated 3/13/24

The NFL offseason is in full swing.

Now that the legal tampering period for free agency has begun, many teams, including the Las Vegas Raiders, have made big splashes for free agents to improve their rosters.

The Raiders signed Christian Wilkins, one of the best defensive tackles in the NFL, to a four-year, $110-million contract. His presence on the interior will open up the defensive line for edge rushers Maxx Crosby and Malcolm Koonce.

However, the Raiders still have work to do to turn their roster into one that can compete for a postseason spot. Las Vegas lost some of its top players from last season and needs to find replacements.

While they have not lost any linebackers, they can still address this position in the 2024 NFL Draft. One player they could consider during the late rounds is UTEP’s Tyrice Knight.

Knight, a former community college standout, spent four seasons with the Miners. He finished his career with 390 total tackles, 32 tackles for loss, four forced fumbles, 16 passes defended, two interceptions, and eight and a half sacks. He was named First-Team All-Conference USA in 2023.

Knight has solid size at 6 feet tall and 233 pounds. He posted good numbers at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, Ind., showing his impressive athleticism.

Knight is a tackling machine, which should entice teams. He had two seasons with 100 or more tackles, including a 140-tackle season in 2023. Knight is a bulking presence with a big, muscular frame who can move well to make plays on ball carriers.

Knight is at his best when he is playing the run. He has good instincts to diagnose plays and quickly get after them. His large frame allows him to get off blocks efficiently so he is not taken out of the play.

While he is a good run defender, Knight also holds up reasonably well against the pass. He can move laterally to cover open space if a team asks him to.

Knight is a smart player but can still improve his decision-making and play recognition. If he can do that, he has a real shot at being a three-down linebacker in the NFL.

Knight is projected to be a day-three selection who can provide depth and potential special teams contribution. If the Raiders are looking for those things, Knight could be a good fit.

The NFL Draft will be held in Detroit, Mich., on April 25-27, 2024. The Las Vegas Raiders currently have the No. 13 overall pick.

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This article first appeared on FanNation Raider Maven and was syndicated with permission.

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