Mike Tannenbaum and Rex Ryan were familiar with McKnight’s body of work well before draft day. It also did not hurt that Sanchez threw to McKnight at his pro day, which certainly increased the attention he received.
For McKnight to make the squad, it is simple. He must be a standout special team’s player and the Jets’ brass made that clear to him when they drafted him.
With the selection of Jeremy Kerley, the Jets’ wide receiver corps should be crowded and McKnight will need to make a mark in other areas to stick. I see him as a possible gunner on punt coverage.
He has good short-area quickness, which will help him get off double-team jams at the line. Has good speed to get down the field and shows the toughness as a blocker to project him as a tackler.
He holds multiple Colorado receiving records including most receptions (215), most receiving TD’s (22) and was third in receiving yards (2,521). Even more impressive was his consistency - was one of only 10 collegiate players all-time to catch a pass in every game he appeared in.
McKnight is very durable - played in all 49 of the Buffaloes games while at Colorado - impressive considering he is not very big and he ran a lot of routes over the middle and had to take some big hits.
I like McKnight’s passion for the game. He is a hard worker and gives his all on the field. A very telling stat was his first down percentage. He converted 122 of his 215 catches for first downs, which works out to be 57%, which is excellent.
McKnight was a team captain and has genuine leadership skills. I do not give him a great chance to make the team but if the Jets cannot resign some key special teamers like Eric Smith, Brad Smith or James Ihedigbo, he will have an opportunity to shine.
As a receiver, he has great hands, runs good routes and is tough. He will go over the middle and take a hit. Does not bring much run after the catch ability but does have some shiftiness and can get open in the short zones.
If he is to be used as a receiver, it will have to be in the slot. He does not have the size, strength or separation skills to play on the outside.
McKnight certainly pushed himself into the draftable area with his pro day performance. Having his best friend, Sanchez, there helped him considerably.
He was able to relax and wound up catching everything thrown to him. He also improved his 40-time by running a 4.46 and 4.48, both faster times than scouts expected.
McKnight may have a chance to make the team, particularly as a special teamer and seems to have the right mental make up and toughness for that role but does not have much experience in that area and will have to be a quick study.
As a receiver, he is a long shot but he has the work ethic to get better and has an infectious love of the game that is reminiscent of his good buddy Sanchez.
Jets fans should keep their expectations in check with McKnight. As a highly decorated walk-on at Colorado, he is someone you like to root for but he will have an uphill battle to make the team during training camp.
Written by Alan Levin