What draft experts said about new Bengals LB Demetrius Knight

The Cincinnati Bengals tackled the linebacker position multiple times in the 2025 NFL draft.

It’s hard to say which time was more interesting. But Cincinnati grabbing South Carolina’s Demetrius Knight in the second round seemed to finally signal the end of the Germaine Pratt era after the veteran’s trade request earlier this offseason.

Here’s a look at what scouting reports from draft experts had to say about Knight.

“An active, green-dot defender, Knight has a quick downhill trigger against the run, with the straight-line pursuit speed to drive and finish at the ball carrier. Though he has some limitations in coverage, he is a capable underneath zone defender who can reach his landmark and get eyes on the passer. Overall, Knight won’t be a true three-down player for some schemes, but he fits the bill for a defense seeking a fast, thumping run stuffer and blitzer with an old-school mentality. He has early-down starting potential and should see immediate reps on special teams.”

“Passionate linebacker with great size, good instincts and a feel for how to play the position. Knight is a fluid athlete with average pursuit speed and short-area burst. He uses his eyes and instincts to diagnose quickly and he maneuvers around bodies like a running back. He’s adept at slipping blocks and rarely allows blockers to stick and sustain on the second level. He’s aware and productive in zone but could struggle to stay connected in man coverage. He’s not a twitchy mover but knows how to play the game and has a chance to play on all three downs. Knight’s field demeanor and football character should seal the deal as a future starter at inside ‘backer.”

“Overall, Knight projects as an immediate contributor for a defense due to his three-down projectability and elite athletic profile. With his length, instincts, and closing speed, as well as his comfortability in space and evident ball production, Knight has the potential to evolve into a foundational defensive addition with green-dot potential for an NFL defense should he continue to fine-tune his game as a run defender.”

“Overall, Knight would be a good fit as an inside linebacker in either odd or even fronts. But teams may view him as a low-ceiling prospect as he’s older, turning 25 years old before his rookie season.”

“Knight Jr. projects best as a MIKE linebacker in a pressure-oriented system. His game is predicated on aggressiveness in many phases. Whether he is involved in triggering as a blitzer or dropping to landmarks in fire zones, Knight Jr. will be most impactful on passing downs with these concepts.

He can keep run defenses well-leveraged out of even fronts with his ability to plug between the tackles. Knight Jr. should be considered a developmental starter who, with the right opportunity, could see the field early in his career.”

This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: 2025 NFL draft: What draft experts said on Bengals’ Demetrius Knight

What draft experts said about new Bengals LB Demetrius Knight

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