Dawson Knox is a tight end for the Buffalo Bills. He played at wide receiver and quarterback during his high school days, then arrived at Ole Miss as a fullback. Knox eventually made the switch to tight end, but college stats of 39 catches for 605 yards in his time with the Rebels, he failed to score a single touchdown.
Dawson Knox posted favorable workout metrics in the predraft process ahead of the 2019 NFL Draft. His size-speed metrics were particularly impressive, bolstered by a 40 time of 4.64 contributing to an 87th percentile Speed Score of 109.0. Knox also showed off an impressive wingspan, with a Catch Radius of 10.15. The Bills selected him in the third round of the draft.
Knox scored two touchdowns in his rookie season and flashed a penchant for getting downfield. He finished No.3 in Yards per Reception with 13.9 but led all tight ends with a 12.0% Drop Rate. Knox contracted COVID19 during his second season, which may have affected him and led to a perceived lack of improvement in his performance. But he emerged as a playmaker of substance in 2021, albeit not one driven by high volumes, despite his playing 86.1 percent of the Bills snaps. He was 22nd with a 13.2 percent target share, but Knox was No.2 among all tight ends with nine total touchdowns and led the tight end position with 2.31 Fantasy Points per Target. He was No.8 with 425 routes run and commanded an 11.5 percent air yards share. Knox continued to see plenty of opportunities downfield, seeing 10 deep balls (No.5) while committing just four drops. Knox finished No.12 with 278 YAC. He also generated the No.1 QB Rating When Targeted at 133.6. Knox saw 19 targets inside the Red Zone, No.4 among all tight ends in 2021.
