(Editor's Note: Now that offseason practices are in full swing, let's get to know 30 Cowboys players who are new to the current 90-man roster. Today we're offensive tackle Brandon Knight.)
How He Got Here: Knight was one of the most unsung members of this undrafted class, likely because he didn't work out at the NFL Combine back in February. It's not for a lack of talent, though. The Noblesville, Ind., native played in 41 games at Indiana with 26 starts. He was named honorable mention All-Big Ten following his senior season, which saw him allow just three sacks in 904 total snaps at right tackle.
Bet You Didn't Know: Knight is the latest addition to an interesting contingent of Indiana guys on this Cowboys team. With the addition of this rookie class, there are now seven guys who are either from Indiana, or played high school or college football there – Anthony Brown, Chris Covington, Zack Martin, Jaylon Smith, Randy Gregory, Knight and fellow rookie Jon'Vea Johnson.
Quotable: "That was a big part of the deal. We sent out scouts out to get a second look, because he didn't go to the Combine. You show up and the kid is pissed off that he didn't go to the Combine, and that nature of who he is on the field shows up in his natural personality. So here's a guy that can compete at guard and at tackle, and there's not enough offensive linemen to go around for 32 teams and play good football if you lose one." – Cowboys vice president of player personnel Will McClay
Bryan Broaddus' Take: Knight played right tackle at Indiana and will likely see the majority of his snaps there in training camp. This guy is a bully that plays with upper body power and strength. In college was a push/shove blocker. I liked the way he was able to generate some movement in the running game playing this way. I believe he's going to need to change his blocking approach, because it's hard to consistently muscle defensive linemen in the league. There are snaps where he's too straight legged which causes him to become overextended. When his head would go down he'd get in trouble. Generally good with his hands. If defenders rush him down the middle, they can't move him. It's when rushers grab his edge that he struggles. There is some nastiness to his game. Not going to quit or be outworked.
Role/Roster Chances: Much like fellow tackle Mitch Hyatt, it's going to be a steep challenge for Knight to crack this position group. The Cowboys boast an incredible amount of veteran talent along this offensive line, and it's going to be tough for a rookie to grab one of one or two possible roster spots. Fortunately for Knight, his position flex should make him valuable moving forward. If he proves he can be reliable at guard and tackle, he's exactly the type of developmental player the Cowboys might want to keep on their practice squad. Much like fellow tackle Mitch Hyatt, it's going to be a steep challenge for Knight to crack this position group. The Cowboys boast an incredible amount of veteran talent along this offensive line, and it's going to be tough for a rookie to grab one of one or two possible roster spots. Fortunately for Knight, his position flex should make him valuable moving forward. If he proves he can be reliable at guard and tackle, he's exactly the type of developmental player the Cowboys might want to keep on their practice squad.
