South Carolina Linebacker Demetrius Knight Brings Familiar Traits Into The NFL Draft

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South Carolina Linebacker Demetrius Knight Brings Familiar Traits Into The NFL Draft

Bob Rose · Athlon Sports

Tue, Apr 22, 2025 ·

3 min read

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The New Orleans Saints enter the 2025 NFL Draft with plenty of needs on both sides of the ball. One of those that haven't been talked about enough is at linebacker.

Demario Davis remains one of the league's top linebackers. However, Davis is also 36 and entering his 14th NFL season. Pete Werner is a solid complement against the run, but is a liability in space and isn't a playmaker. Outside of those two, the Saints only have a few former late draft choices or undrafted players that are unproven.

New defensive coordinator Brandon Staley is expected to install a 3-4 base scheme. Simply put, the Saints may not have enough quality linebackers for the system. Stand-up edge rusher, also a major need, would take up one or two spots but the Saints need more talent at this spot.

It's unlikely that New Orleans addresses this in the first round, though Alabama LB Jihaad Campbell is an option. The Saints could target a linebacker on Day 2, where there are a few available that should make an immediate impact.

Demetrius Knight, LB (South Carolina)

American team linebacker Demetrius Knight II of South Carolina (17) works in drills during Senior Bowl practice. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images

The well-traveled Knight began his collegiate career at Georgia Tech out of Strong Rock Christian High School in Georgia. He was a lightly used reserve for the Yellow Jackets for four seasons, where he had a combined 51 tackles and 1 sack.

After the 2022 campaign, Knight transferred to Charlotte. He'd lead the 49ers with 3 interceptions and 96 tackles, which included 6 for loss and 1.5 sacks. Knight would transfer again after that season, landing at South Carolina.

Knight led the Gamecocks with 57 solo stops this past season. He had 82 total stops, which included 8 for loss and 2 sacks, while also adding an interception and 3 fumbles forced.

Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik (2) is tackled by South Carolina linebacker Demetrius Knight Jr (17). Mandatory Credit: Ken Ruinard-Imagn Images

A late-bloomer, Knight can show some delay when diagnosing plays. His agility and lateral movement in coverage and play pursuit is just average, putting more importance on his ability to read and anticipate decisively.

Knight is a traditional downhill linebacker. He's shown disruptive ability as a blitzer and explodes through gaps in blocking. He has the power to take on blockers and is able to disengage quickly to finish a play.

Against the run, Knight shows an elite radar for the ball. He'll arrive to the ball carrier with nasty intentions and will finish off a play with force. He's a reliable tackler in the open field and will make several solo stops without giving up extra yardage.

South Carolina Gamecocks linebacker Demetrius Knight Jr. (17) takes down Akron Zips quarterback Ben Finley (10). Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images

In coverage, Knight shows a natural awareness in zone duties. He reads quarterbacks and opposing receivers well and closes quickly. Those same skills make him effective in off-ball coverage and allows him to make plays on short and intermediate routes.

Demetrius Knight is expected to be a late-Day 2 or early Day 3 selection. He brings instant value as a run defender, with starting potential in a zone/off-ball coverage scheme. He'll have some coverage limitations, but those can be minimalized in the right system.

The Saints have no long-term replacement for Demario Davis. Demetrius Knight brings many of those same traits that makes Davis a special defender into this draft.

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