2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Marshawn Kneeland, Edge, Western Michigan

Marshawn Kneeland shows good potential as an edge rusher in the Western Michigan defense. He's a strong run defender who offers decent position versatility. Hula Bowl scout Chris Spooner breaks down Kneeland as an NFL Prospect in his report. — Marshawn Kneeland shows good potential as an edge rusher in the Western Michigan defense. He’s a strong run defender who offers decent position versatility. Hula Bowl scout Chris Spooner breaks down Kneeland as an NFL Prospect in his report.

Player Data

Name, Jersey #	Marshawn Kneeland, #99 (# 94 previously)
School (Code)	Western Michigan (MIWE)
DOB, Class Yr	7/8/2001, 5th Year Junior
Height, Weight	6030e, 277e
40 Yd Dash	4.85e
Position/Depth	LDE/1
Season Viewed (yr)	2023, 2022
Games Watched	IAUN (2023), MICE (2022), OHTO (2022)
Scout Name / Date	Chris Spooner, 9/22/2023

Per Year Stats (Most Recent First)

2023	3 GP, 16 T, 11 Solo, 5 Ast, 1.5 Sacks
2022	9 GP, 37 T, 22 Solo, 15 Ast, 1.5 Sacks, 3 PD
2021	13 GP, 32 T, 16 Solo, 16 Ast, 4.5 Sacks
2020	5 GP, 23 T, 14 Solo, 9 Ast, 2 Sacks, 1 FF

Player Summary:

First-year starter. Was a rotation player the last two years. Saw limited snaps in the 2022 opener and missed the next 3 games with leg injury suffered in camp. Undersized for listed position of defensive end. Average height and exceptional weight for OLB. Has good power in his hands. Is able to shock offensive linemen and get them on their heels when striking first. Position versatility lining up on both sides of defense and occasionally as a stand-up linebacker. Shows further versatility by dropping back in zone coverage. Splits time between stand-up rusher and 7-tech in 4-point stance. Strong run defender. Shows good FBI in knowing his assignments and not giving up backside contain on misdirection plays. Further displays FBI in directing linemen in front of him when in stand-up position, getting guys in the best position to rush. Best pass-rush move is the straight-arm, owing to his good power. Is able to turn speed to power when rushing from an upright stance. Is effective at swiping offensive lineman’s hands away to keep his chest clean and continue pass rush. Scored a TD as a rusher in the 2023 opener against St. Francis. Has the ability to bend and duck around lineman, but does not show ability consistently. Does not bring much pass-rush production. Too often gets washed out of the play by tight ends. Primarily wins through overpowering his opponent, which isn’t likely to work at the next level. Will need to get stronger to succeed at the next level. May be asked to put on weight or move to OLB. Needs to develop counter-attack moves when power rush doesn’t work. Could be a hair quicker in his play recognition and accelerating in pursuit of the ball carrier after covering backside responsibilities.