2022 NFL Draft: Breece Hall Leads Preseason RB Rankings

6. Zonovan Knight, North Carolina State

Zonovan Knight comes in at number six in the rankings, and like Ealy, has two solid campaigns of 700-plus yards just waiting to break out (however 10 touchdowns in ’20 was good to see).

Unlike Ealy, Knight has the early down profile for the next level. He has prototypical size and frame to hold up as a bellcow, and hangs his hat on very good contact balance. He often shrugs off arm tackles and displays the balance necessary to combat shoestring attempts while also showing the leg drive through arm tackles to pick up extra yardage. He also has a good stiff arm.

Knight has good quickness for his size, and displays good footwork and creativity near the line of scrimmage, getting skinny and reducing surface area through gaps. He has the quick processing skills to add to his footwork, and quickly finds openings. His burst is adequate for his size as well.

Despite his good footwork, Knight struggles a bit moving laterally in space to shake defenders, often needing extra steps to gather himself before changing direction. In pass protection, Knight is quick to drop his head, which leads to occasional whiffs in his assignment.

Still, Knight is a player waiting to break out and potentially rise in the 2022 NFL Draft process.

Grade: 3rd Round (65-80)