Tag: Tyrice Knight

Seahawks LB Tyrice Knight named team’s breakout candidate for 2025 season

Seahawks LB Tyrice Knight named team’s breakout candidate for 2025 season

Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald was displeased with the play from his off-ball linebackers when he made sweeping midseason changes. Opening week starters Tyrel Dodson and Jerome Baker were cast aside in October. The Seahawks acquired Ernest Jones IV from the Tennessee Titans at the trade deadline. Jones immediately revamped Macdonald’s defense. The other part of that equation was rookie linebacker Tyrice Knight.

A fourth-round selection out of UTEP, Knight performed beyond his years. Showcasing an advanced skill set, Knight defended both sideline-to-sideline, and between the tackles. The 2024 rookie pleased Macdonald.

Given his rookie season form, it’s no surprise that Pro Football Focus has named him Seattle’s breakout player for the 2025 campaign.

“Seattle did an about-face with its inside linebacker room during the middle of the season, paving the way for Knight,” Bradley Locker wrote in a recent article. “The UTEP product performed soundly when given the opportunity, with a 79.6 PFF tackling grade and a 73.3 PFF pass-rushing grade. Moreover, Knight garnered a 70.0 PFF overall mark in six of his 12 games played. With Ernest Jones’ contract situation uncertain, Mike Macdonald may very well rely on Knight in the middle of his defense in 2025.”

Knight recorded 88 total tackles. He also added 1.5 sacks and two pass breakups to his defensive totals. With Jones IV potentially heading for free agency, Knight is the only starting linebacker guaranteed to return to the Seahawks in 2025. That makes him an applicable breakout candidate.

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3 Seahawks who deserve more playing time in 2025

3 Seahawks who deserve more playing time in 2025

The Seattle Seahawks received contributions from unlikely sources as the 2024 regular-season campaign progressed forward. Whether it was veterans taking advantage of opportunities due to injury, or rookies that proved they belonged in the lineup, various Seahawks players earned a right to be on the field for head coach Mike Macdonald. We’ve identified three of those talents in particular that deserve more playing time from the get-go in 2025.

Josh Jobe

Josh Jobe didn’t play his first snap at cornerback until Week 7. The former undrafted free agent out of Alabama quickly played his way into Macdonald’s lineup, forcing a healthy Tre Brown to the bench. Brown is now slated for unrestricted free agency and is unlikely to return. Jobe should open training camp as a starter at cornerback opposite Riq Woolen and Devon Witherspoon. First, he must be retained as a restricted free agent.

Tyrice Knight

Dissatisfied with the play he was receiving from his off-ball linebackers, Macdonald swapped out initial starters Tyrel Dodson and Jerome Baker for Ernest Jones IV and Tyrice Knight. A fourth-round rookie, Knight concluded the season with an impressive 88 total tackles despite making his full-time debut in Week 11. A bigger sophomore season is on the horizon.

Coby Bryant

Versatile safety Coby Bryant was arguably Seattle’s biggest revelation in 2024. Taking advantage of a midseason injury to Rayshawn Jenkins, The former Cincinnati standout recorded multiple interceptions down the stretch en route to becoming an every-down defender. Bryant, Jenkins, and Julian Love all remain under contract through next season.

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Pro Football Focus’ 3 highest-graded Seahawks vs. Bears on defense in Week 17

Pro Football Focus’ 3 highest-graded Seahawks vs. Bears on defense in Week 17

The Seattle Seahawks relied on their dominant defense in Thursday’s 6-3 Week 17 victory over the Chicago Bears. While Geno Smith and the offense struggled to move the football, Mike Macdonald’s defense limited the Bears to three points and a pathetic 179 total yards of offense. Having analyzed the impressive performance in terrific detail, Pro Football Focus graded these three Seahawks defenders as their best performers.

Leonard Williams | 81.2

Leonard Williams had a field day with the underperforming interior of the Bears’ offensive line. The veteran alignment-versatile defensive lineman totaled six pressures, one off his season-high, and also enjoyed his fourth multi-sack game of the campaign, sacking Caleb Williams twice. Williams has been Seattle’s best defensive player this season.

Tyrice Knight | 77.3

The Seahawks used rookie linebacker Tyrice Knight as an occasional pass rusher to great success versus the Bears. The former UTEP standout helped overwhelm the line of scrimmage by accumulating four quarterback pressures. Knight also totaled six tackles and was fantastic in coverage, too, allowing just two receptions for minimal gains.

Boye Mafe | 74.0

Boye Mafe was another Seahawks front-seven defender that put forth a quality showing. The third-year second-round pick had three pressures, all classified as hurries. Mafe didn’t record any of Seattle’s seven sacks, but he routinely made the inexperienced Williams uncomfortable in the pocket.

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3 Bold Predictions for Seahawks defense vs. Packers in Week 15

3 Bold Predictions for Seahawks defense vs. Packers in Week 15

The Seattle Seahawks will host the Green Bay Packers at Lumen Field on Sunday Night Football in Week 15. Mike Macdonald’s defense was dominant in last weekend’s victory over the Arizona Cardinals, limiting them to 18 points and intercepting Kyler Murray twice. We’ve compiled three bold predictions for the defense versus the Packers.

Uchenna Nwosu records a sack

Veteran EDGE Uchenna Nwosu returned from a lengthy stint on the sidelines last week. The sack-artist played just 30 snaps as Macdonald and defensive coordinator Aden Durde opted to ease him back into the lineup. He totaled one pressure via 17 pass-rushing snaps. Nwosu could sack Packers quarterback Jordan Love while handling a slightly larger workload.

Tyrice Knight keeps the hype going

Rookie linebacker Tyrice Knight has been a revelation since helping replace Tyrel Dodson and Jerome Baker in the starting lineup. Knight was everywhere in last weekend’s win over the Cardinals, leading the team with 12 total tackles en route to earning NFC Defensive Rookie of the Week honors. Look for the former UTEP standout to build on that performance against the Packers.

Ernest Jones IV forces a fumble

Off-ball linebacker Ernest Jones IV has been outstanding since arriving in Seattle via midseason trade, routinely leading the defense in tackles. Jones recorded his first turnover as a Seahawk by intercepting Murray last week. The do-it-all defender could generate a turnover for a second consecutive week by forcing a fumble versus the Packers.

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Seahawks LB Tyrice Knight named Rookie of the Week

Seahawks LB Tyrice Knight named Rookie of the Week

The Seattle Seahawks have found another hidden gem in the later rounds of the draft. This time, their diamond in the rough is none other than rookie linebacker Tyrice Knight, who has been an absolute terror in the middle of the field. Now, the fourth rounder out of UTEP has earned Rookie of the Week honors for his efforts in Week 14.

Knight led the team with 12 total tackles in the 30-18 road victory over the Arizona Cardinals. Seattle’s defense helped fuel the dominant win over Arizona, and Knight was a key contributor.

The Seahawks struggled defending the run earlier this year, and part of the reason was weak play at linebacker. Seattle’s two offseason acquisitions, Jerome Baker and Tyrel Dodson, were not up to par. As a result, the Seahawks didn’t double down on their mistakes. Instead, they quickly moved off both and replaced them with Ernest Jones IV and elevated rookie Tyrice Knight into a starting role.

The moves have paid off in dividends for Seattle, as their defense has transformed since their Bye Week into one of the stingiest in the league. The Seahawks have something special with No. 48, and I suspect a Week 14 “Rookie of the Week” award won’t be the only accolade he earns in his career.

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How good was Tyrice Knight vs the 49ers? Brian Baldinger breaks down his play

How good was Tyrice Knight vs the 49ers? Brian Baldinger breaks down his play

The Seattle Seahawks underwent massive midseason overall at their linebacker position. They began the year with Tyrel Dodson and Jerome Baker starting. Now, neither men are still on the team. Replacing them are Ernest Jones IV, and rookie Tyrice Knight out of UTEP.

Jones and Knight have been a revelation, presenting clear upgrades. Against the 49ers, the two combined for 23 total tackles, which easily led the team. But we should look at Knight’s performance in particular, which is what film guru Brian Baldinger did in one of his beloved “Baldy’s Breakdowns.”

It would appear the Seahawks have found something special with their fourth round pick from last spring.

Knight had 10 of those 23 total tackles between him and Jones.

The Seahawks will have another critical test this weekend against Kyler Murray and the explosive Arizona Cardinals offense. Seattle’s defense seems to have turned a corner, but it is just two games. If they can find a way to slow down Arizona, this unit might just truly be on its way to being fixed.

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Seahawks LB Ernest Jones IV has been force multiplier in the run game

Seahawks LB Ernest Jones IV has been force multiplier in the run game

The Seattle Seahawks were displeased with their linebacker play in the middle of the season. That’s precisely why general manager John Schneider and head coach Mike Macdonald decided to call an audible. The team acquired Ernest Jones IV in a trade with the Tennessee Titans in exchange for fellow linebacker Jerome Baker and a 2025 fourth-round pick.

Since then, the Seahawks have also released Tyrel Dodson. They began the campaign with Baker and Dodson at off-ball linebacker, and that duo has since been swapped out for Jones and day-three rookie Tyrice Knight. It appears to be a shrewd decision, particularly with Jones playing fantastic football against the San Francisco 49ers in Sunday’s critical Week 11 victory within the NFC West.

Jones recorded a team-high 13 tackles. A run defense that’s struggled with tackling and gap discipline at times this season limited 49ers superstar running back Christian McCaffrey to 79 rushing yards, zero touchdowns, and a pedestrian 4.2 yards per carry. Backup running back Jordan Mason, who played well in McCaffrey’s absence earlier this season, rushed for 13 yards via two carries.

“This defense, I look to my left and see. T-Knight [Tyrice Knight], I look behind me and I see ‘Spoon [Devon Witherspoon] and those safeties,” Jones said about the Seahawks’ defense following the 49ers victory. “We can go out there [as a defense] and play with anybody. We showed what we are. We played physically and with discipline. I think we can be something special,” Jones concluded.

Jones’ evaluation of Seattle’s defense is accurate. Poor linebacker play and discipline at times held back Macdonald’s unit from reaching its capable productivity earlier this campaign. Jones has completely transformed the defense.

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Pro Football Focus’ 3 highest-graded Seahawks vs. 49ers on defense

Pro Football Focus’ 3 highest-graded Seahawks vs. 49ers on defense

The Seattle Seahawks claimed a massive victory over the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, winning their Week 11 contest within the NFC West 20-17. Mike Macdonald’s excellent defense limited Kyle Shanahan’s offense to 17 points and just 277 total yards of offense. Brock Purdy threw for just 159 yards and one interception. Analyzing the advanced metrics, these were the Seahawks’ three highest-graded players on defense, according to Pro Football Focus.

Devon Witherspoon | CB | 78.2

Devon Witherspoon was everywhere, totaling a season-high eight tackles for Aden Durde’s aggressive defense. Witherspoon was competitive, recording three pass breakups in this game alone. PFF credited the versatile corner with allowing just four receptions on seven targets for 37 receiving yards. The 49ers found no success throwing the ball in his direction.

Tyrice Knight | LB | 77.5

Mid-round linebacker Tyrice Knight was outstanding in his first start at off-ball linebacker since the team surprisingly released Tyrel Dodson. Knight accumulated 10 tackles and one quarterback hit. Seattle’s new LB duo helped hold superstar running back Christian McCaffrey to 79 rushing yards and a pedestrian 4.2 yards per carry.

Coby Bryant | S | 70.4

Coby Bryant has done an admirable job stepping up while the Seahawks have navigated some injuries in the secondary. Bryant played all 63 defensive snaps against the 49ers, remaining on the field for every defensive snap. The former Cincinnati standout totaled five tackles and allowed just one reception for a five-yard gain.

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Seahawks’ Ernest Jones IV dishes on new LB partner Tyrice Knight

Seahawks’ Ernest Jones IV dishes on new LB partner Tyrice Knight

The Seattle Seahawks made the surprising decision to release starting linebacker Tyrel Dodson earlier this week. Dodson was leading the Seahawks in tackles with 71 and has since been claimed off waivers by the Miami Dolphins. The move will catapult rookie linebacker Tyrice Knight into the starting lineup opposite Ernest Jones IV.

Jones was recently acquired in a trade with the Tennessee Titans that sent linebacker Jerome Baker and a mid-round 2025 draft pick to Nashville. In two appearances with the Seahawks thus far, Jones has recorded 24 tackles and one pass breakup. On Thursday, he discussed the team’s decision to release Dodson and promote Knight with members of local media.

“He hasn’t played that many games,” Jones said about Knight. “He doesn’t have experience on his side, but he comes to work every day. You can tell he’s a good player. He can flow and mimic the ball carriers. I feel confident in knowing that he’s going to execute on Sunday [versus the San Francisco 49ers]. We need to communicate and make it simple for him. I’ve been traded twice [this season], nothing surprises me,” Jones concluded when asked if Dodson’s departure surprised him.

The No. 119 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft, Knight played college football at UTEP. The rookie fourth-rounder had previously been playing a rotational role for the Seahawks. Heading into Sunday’s showdown versus the 49ers, Knight has totaled 124 defensive snaps. In a Week 2 start against the New England Patriots due to injury, the athletic linebacker posted a run-stopping grade of 70.3, according to Pro Football Focus.

The Seahawks will require that type of effort from Knight to slow down Christian McCaffrey and the 49ers on Sunday.

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Seahawks to entrust rookie LB Tyrice Knight after releasing Tyrel Dodson

Seahawks to entrust rookie LB Tyrice Knight after releasing Tyrel Dodson

The Seattle Seahawks pulled a stunner earlier this week when they released starting linebacker Tyrel Dodson from his contract. Dodson has since been claimed by the Miami Dolphins off waivers. The move should afford rookie linebacker Tyrice Knight an opportunity to start next to Ernest Jones IV in a new-look linebacker corps.

A fourth-round rookie out of UTEP, Knight has played sporadically for the Seahawks defense this season. The rookie No. 119 overall selection has totaled 124 defensive snaps. In a Week 2 start against the New England Patriots, Knight posted a run-stopping grade of 70.3, according to Pro Football Focus.

Dodson led the Seahawks in tackles prior to his release with 71 takedowns. Dodson had also been Seattle’s most-snapped defensive player this season, totaling 604 plays, accounting for 98.37% of Mike Macdonald’s defensive snaps.

The Seahawks had however been displeased with Dodson’s performances and the overall state of their linebackers. Macdonald is unhappy with a 26th-ranked run defense that is allowing 139.4 yards per outing. Knight, who was an outstanding run defender in college, could prove to be an eventual upgrade if the Seahawks give him an opportunity, while staying patient with his development.

The Seahawks return from their Week 10 bye to face the San Francisco 49ers this weekend. Former Offensive Player of the Year Christian McCaffrey has returned for the 49ers. Knight and the new-look Seahawks defense will face a difficult challenge in their first post-Dodson test.

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