Bills trade up to select TE Dawson Knox

The Buffalo Bills traded up with the Washington Redskins to select tight end Dawson Knox out of Ole Miss in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft, 96th overall.

Buffalo sent the 112th and 131st overall picks - both fourth-rounders - to Washington.

Knox is an intriguing prospect with excellent speed and athleticism but saw limited targets and production with the Rebels.

Tight end was one of Buffalo's biggest weaknesses heading into the draft, with newly signed Tyler Kroft currently atop the team's depth chart.

Prospect profile

School: Ole Miss
Height: 6-4
Weight: 254 lbs

Strengths

• Receiver speed in a tight end's body
• Great athlete with excellent change-of-direction skills
• Ability to adjust to balls while in air
• Nice burst off line and can challenge defensive backs deep
• Versatile weapon inline and in slot
• Has long arms and soft hands
• Tough competitor and serviceable run-blocker

Weaknesses

• Many weapons at Ole Miss - didn't get many targets
• Can be lazy/stagnant at top of routes
• Not given many opportunities to prove himself after catch

Bottom line

Knox will draw comparisons to George Kittle due to his high-level athletic traits and lack of college production. The former Rebel is a fluid athlete who also possesses the speed to become a dynamic offensive weapon. Parts of his game - specifically aspects of his route-running - still need work, but Knox has one of the highest ceilings among tight ends in this class.