Dawgs By Nature
Let’s build up the Browns linebacker group in the NFL draft with a guy who will stick somebody
The Cleveland Browns have one of the best defensive minds in the league coaching the defense, Jim Schwartz. He loves run-stoppers. His philosophy is for the defensive front four to be the pass rusher and the linebackers are now free to cover running backs and tight ends in pass coverage.
This means the defense has to have capable backers who can accomplish all of this.
Demetrius Knight of South Carolina is a menace at linebacker. He is ranked #30 so he should be available when the Browns use the first pick in Round 2.
The linebacker collected multiple accolades in 2024, including the “Rex Enright Team Captain Award”, “Most Outstanding Senior” recognition, and “Joe Morrison MVP Defense” honors. His academic achievements include three appearances on the ACC Academic Honor Roll (2019-2021) so the intelligence is there.
He is also a distant relative of Gladys Knight and Aretha Franklin.
Knight is one of those pandemic athletes and was able to play college football a bit longer. He is not a huge sack guy which is okay with Schwartz’s system because the backers don’t blitz much. But he is a beast against the run.
At the Reese’s Senior Bowl, DBN’s Barry Shuck sought out linebacker prospects and Knight was at the top of the linebacker list to interview.
Q: You played quarterback in high school at Strong Rock Christian School. Coming out of high school you didn’t have a lot of interest from colleges. What message do you want them to know now that you are ranked the #30 draft prospect, playing at the Senior Bowl, and about to be drafted into the NFL?
A: I appreciate the journey. It took me from being persistent to being consistent and being true to yourself.
Q: How difficult was it to switch sides of the ball?
A: It was not the easiest transition at all. It was one of the hardest things I had to do in life. Throwing the ball and making plays, to now calling plays on the defensive side and making tackles. Taking on offensive linemen instead of being protected by offensive linemen. I wouldn’t trade it for the world.
Q: You are known for your strength and conditioning. What is your routine in the off-season?
A: My off-season regimen is to continue to watch what I eat and have a regular workout schedule. Being able to relax for a change and be with my wife and my two children who are seven months and the other one is about to be two. That gives me a clear mindset and then when I get back to it I am able to work a little harder each time.
Q: What is your diet like during the season?
A: You might think that as soon...
