2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Demetrius Knight Jr. (LB – South Carolina)

FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in March. Here’s a look at South Carolina linebacker Demetrius Knight Jr. And check out our entire 2025 NFL Draft Guide.

2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Demetrius Knight Jr.

Demetrius Knight Jr. (LB – South Carolina)

6-foot-2 | 245 Pounds

Background

Demetrius Knight Jr. was an unranked recruit who ended up at Georgia Tech, where he spent four seasons, playing sparingly throughout (a total of 270 snaps and 51 tackles from 2019-2022.) Knight transferred to Charlotte, where he spent one season and totaled 96-6.0-1.5 with three interceptions before moving to South Carolina for the 2024 season. Posted 82-8.0-2.0 with the Gamecocks.

Positives

Knight made a big leap up in the level of competition this past season and acquitted himself well. A big, well-built linebacker with impressive length. Quick-triggered linebacker who generally shows good instincts when reading keys in the run game. Does a nice job of keeping his shoulders square when flowing to the ball. Willing to step into the hole and do the dirty work, taking on blockers to funnel runners back to help.

Knight’s length allows him to get extensions and lock out opposing blockers. Offers sideline-to-sideline range resulting from his nonstop motor and impressive overall athleticism. Brings it from a hustle standpoint. Closes quickly in pursuit. His length gives him an impressive tackling radius. Has been a very reliable tackler — credited with missed tackles on just 10% of his attempts, per Pro Football Focus (PFF).

Pretty rangy, versatile coverage linebacker who can shade over opposing tight ends, but typically works in zones, showing quick feet and loose hips. Uses his hands effectively to pass off when pattern-matching from shallow zones. Has the raw speed to carry backs to the flat. Intercepted four passes over the past two seasons (one pick-six) and has the length to impact throwing lanes when he locates.

Negatives

A little older than your typical prospect after spending six years in school, but with just one season of FBS starting experience under his belt. Energetic style of play can also cross over into a lack of patience and discipline. Occasionally gets lured out of position by play fakes and misdirection that take advantage of the sense of urgency he plays with.

Knight is faster than he is coordinated, with some balance issues and out-of-control movements at times. Doesn’t have the most consistent anchor to hold the point of attack when mixing things up with opposing blockers. Looks like a balance/technique issue, rather than a strength issue. Overruns some spots in space. Can occasionally play a bit too shallow in zones, losing track of players slipping behind him. Has relatively minimal experience as a pass-rusher, amounting to two or three snaps per game over the past two seasons.

Summary

An energetic, well-built linebacker with impressive range and the versatility to play physically between the tackles or execute demanding coverage assignments. Knight put himself on the map this season after transferring from Charlotte into the SEC.

At this point, he’s got all of the tools teams look for in a three-down linebacker, but his instincts and discipline are still a work in progress, which can allow teams to manipulate him with play-action and misdirection. Those shortcomings could give teams cause for concern given that he has spent six years in school. It’s worth mentioning that his development trajectory looks good and he has clear starting-level traits.

Projection: Round 3

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