The 2024 Senior Bowl will provide an opportunity for NFL draft prospects to prove themselves on the largest pre-draft stage. Western Michigan defensive lineman Marshawn Kneeland plans on taking full advantage. Kneeland recently spoke exclusively with the Senior Bowl and Draft Network to discuss his motivation for accepting his invitation to compete in Mobile, Alabama.
Kneeland also discussed what he's striving to prove to NFL general managers and scouts in attendance at the Senior Bowl, his pass-rush arsenal, playing multiple positions, and more. Let's get to know Kneeland better ahead of his journey to the Senior Bowl.
JM: Where were you when you found out about your Senior Bowl invite and what was your initial reaction?
Marshawn Kneeland: We had just wrapped up a practice. Our coach brought me up to the front and gave one heck of a speech. He handed me the Senior Bowl invite in front of our entire team. My reaction was like, wow, that’s crazy (laughs). The Senior Bowl is so important to the pre-draft process.
JM: What motivated you to accept the Senior Bowl’s invite?
Marshawn Kneeland: I feel like everybody that gets the Senior Bowl invite accepts it (laughs). I didn’t need much motivation. It’s a huge honor, a big deal. It represents a huge opportunity for me.
JM: What are you hoping to prove to NFL general managers, coaching staffs, and scouts in attendance in Mobile?
Marshawn Kneeland: I’m excited to showcase the full range of my capabilities. NFL scouts know that I’m powerful. They also know that I played against Group of Five, not Power Five competition. There are some questions that come with that. I want to prove that I can maintain my level of play against everybody in this draft class. Hopefully, the scouts will trust in my ability to do it against anybody in the NFL as well.
JM: How would you describe your skill set in your own words? Write your own scouting report for me.
Marshawn Kneeland: I would definitely say that I play with a high motor. I’m always trying to find my way to the ball. I’m very heavy-handed. I love hitting other players (laughs). I’m explosive with a good get-off.
JM: If you had to compare yourself to a current NFL defensive lineman, who would you choose and why?
Marshawn Kneeland: I’m a big fan of Aidan Hutchinson with the Detroit Lions. He plays with a high motor and heavy hands as well. He’s extremely explosive. He’s always finding his way to the ball.
JM: You sure have. You had a career-high 4.5 sacks this season. What changed for you in 2023 that allowed you to take that step forward?
Marshawn Kneeland: The biggest thing that changed is that I was allowed a lot of freedom compared to previous seasons. I took that step forward to become the best player on our defensive line. It helped me and hurt me at the same time. I’d get a lot of pressure on the quarterback, but I also received a lot of attention from opposing offensive linemen.
Last year, if you watched my tape, I helped a lot of teammates get clean-up sacks. I missed out on a bunch of sacks. This year. I still missed out on a good amount of sacks, but I was able to impact the pocket more consistently.
JM: You played multiple positions at Western Michigan. Where do you see yourself making a permanent home at the next level?
Marshawn Kneeland: I definitely see myself lining up at defensive end. That’s where I’ve played since high school. I’ve molded my entire game around being a defensive end. As far as standing up and dropping back into coverage goes, or being an inside guy, I’m comfortable with all of those duties as well.
JM: You were very effective rushing the passer this season. What’s on Marshawn Kneeland’s pre-game playlist?
Marshawn Kneeland: I listen to a wide variety of stuff. I’m not going to lie to you though. This past season, it’s been all laid-back chill stuff. It’s probably some stuff you’ve never even heard of. There’s a lot of calming smooth melodies on the playlist.
JM: At the end of the week, what does a successful Senior Bowl look like for Marshawn Kneeland?
Marshawn Kneeland: A successful Senior Bowl means I finished healthy. I have to be smart. I know what I can and can’t do. I plan on going out there and proving my physicality. I’m not going to suffer any setbacks.
