2023 NFL Draft Diamonds Scouting Report: Malik Knowles, WR, Kansas State

Malik Knowles is an interesting WR at Kansas State who possesses good size and speed. Hula Bowl scout Jacob Waxman breaks down Knowles as an NFL Prospect in his report.

Player Data

Name, Jersey #	Malik Knowles, #4
School (Code)	KSST
DOB, Class Yr	8/17/2000, Rs-Sr
Height, Weight	6023, 195
40 Yd Dash	4.50
Arms, Hands	3234, 0838
Position/Depth	WR-X/ 1
Honors/Captainship	2021 Second Team All-American [kr] (Phil Steele) 2021 First Team All-Big 12 [kr/pr] (Coaches) 2021 Second Team All-Big 12 [all-purpose] (Associated Press) 2021 Honorable Mention All-Big 12 [wr] (Coaches) 2021 Honorable Mention Big 12 Spec. Teams Player of the Year (Coaches) 2020 Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award watch list 2019 Honorable Mention Big 12 Offensive FR of the Year (Coaches) 2019 Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Week (Mississippi State)
Season Viewed (yr)	2022
Games Watched	MOUN ‘22, LATU ‘22
Scout Name / Date	Jacob Waxman/ 10/27/22

Per Year Stats (Most Recent First)

2022	9 GP, 35 Rec, 540 yds, 1 TD, 1 rush, 75 yds
2021	13 GP, 29 rec, 441 yds, 4 TD, 15 rush, 106 yds
2020	9 GP, 13 rec, 204 yds, 3 TD, 6 rush, 100 yds, 1 TD
2019	11 GP, 27 rec, 397 yds, 3 TD, 7 rush, 70 yds
2018	4 GP, 10 rec, 100 yds, 2 TD

Player Summary:

RS-Sr. Moves between XWR and ZWR at KSST. Projects to ZWR in the NFL. Tall and lean with a thicker lower half. Average AA and speed. Developmental PS WR in the NFL. On the field, he relies on his speed and size to separate from the defense and make plays. At the release, he is below-average, showing little variety in releases as well as struggling to separate off the LOS in press with hands on. Can create separation on short routes using his wiggle and stick. As a route runner, he is marginal, but there is room to grow. With the speed he possesses and flashes to DB’s throughout the game, he does a good job at selling his routes vertically. Whether he is running a curl, go, or post, he gets the DB to commit early to going vertical. Does an ordinary job at finding the blind spot. At the top of the route, he needs to sink his hips more and become more creative. He does a good job of identifying soft spots in zone coverage. Has average hands and ability to make contested catches. After the catch, he displays sufficient ability to extend play and run away from defenders if he has enough separation at the catch point.

Scheme Fit:

ZWR

Power Statement:

Tall and lean ZWR with the ability to make plays down field or on special teams due to size and AA, but will need refinement in route running techniques, route tree, and a higher football IQ to get a roster spot.