Exclusive interview with Western Michigan’s Marshawn Kneeland: “I’m a high-energy, high-effort guy”

Western Michigan defensive lineman Marshawn Kneeland was kind enough to take the time to answer a few questions for The Liberty Line.

Kneeland, a four-year player for the Broncos, is a prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft and will hear his name called.

Rabadi: What would you say your biggest strength on the field is? 

Kneeland: Definitely my motor. I’m a very high-effort player.

Rabadi: I’m sure the pre-draft process has been a surreal experience. What has been your favorite & least favorite part of the whole process? 

Kneeland: My favorite is, by far, all the attention from teams. It’s far better & more fun than I thought it would be. My least favorite part is that now I’m super busy, but I know that comes with the job! 

Rabadi: You mentioned the attention from NFL teams, do you have any in-person visits with any teams scheduled?

Kneeland: Yeah, I have 10 top 30 visits scheduled. The New Orleans Saints, Jacksonville Jaguars, Atlanta Falcons, Minnesota Vikings, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Carolina Panthers, Indianapolis Colts, Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills & San Francisco 49ers. 

Rabadi: You weren’t lying when you said you were busy! Who are some players you watched growing up & tried to model your game after, if any? 

Kneeland: I’ve watched a couple, but more so, I tried to play like Troy Polamalu. He was my watch growing up just his movement and deadliness on the field.

Rabadi: What is an NFL team getting when they run a card with your name on it to the podium and draft you? Both on and off the field.

Kneeland: On the field, I’m a high-energy, high-effort guy with a lot of power. Off the field, I’m the same guy every day, a cool, calm, all-in kind of guy.

Rabadi: Did any teams have a unique way of interviewing when you met with them at the NFL Scouting Combine? For instance, the Eagles in previous years have done fun things like rock paper scissors and mini hoop basketball. Did any teams have any fun curveballs when you met won’t them?

Kneeland: No, it was mostly the same stuff. They were just getting me to learn one of their plays or just talking about my film and watching it.

Rabadi: You really stood out and made a lot of plays at the Senior Bowl. What do you think you proved to General managers, coaches, and scouts all across the league?

Kneeland: It just proved that Group 5 players are just as good as Power 5 and can hang and perform just the same. Which I’m sure they already knew.

Marshawn Kneeland Scouting Report via The Draft Network

Marshawn Kneeland epitomizes the modern archetype of an all-downs defensive lineman. His exceptional combination of strength, agility, and unparalleled work ethic positions him as the ideal candidate for organizations seeking a game-changing presence across their defensive line.

One lingering consideration in fully endorsing Kneeland at this stage of the evaluation process is determining his optimal fit within a defense.

Although a role as a true outside linebacker isn’t out of the realm of possibility, given his strength off the ball and ability to maintain the line of scrimmage, his size and length may lean toward a more traditional 5-tech or 4i position in Okie and odd defenses. However, confidence remains high in his adaptability to thrive in a 4-man front as well. 

I once again thank Marshawn Kneeland for taking the time to answer a few of my questions! He seems like a really great person and a player an NFL team will be excited to bring into their facility.

WATCH: “I'm about to go to the NFL, man, it doesn't get any better than that.”@GodwinHeightsFB alum and current @WMU_Football star Marshawn Kneeland (@MKneeland99) is one step closer to having his dream come true.

23 NFL teams came to watch him today at his Pro Day at the Zoo. pic.twitter.com/nQ8NeXKJGi

— Mark Skol, Jr. (@markskoljrTV) March 11, 2024