I know it might be for scouting issues, but he was heavily recruited as a CB out of HS, Nick Saban included. He also wanted to play defense for USC last season, I don't know if he did, but I severely doubt it. It may be nothing, but made me do a double take... http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/rapid-reports/post/14069254
McKnight almost blocked a punt yesterday as a special teams defensive back. He has a ridiculous amount of athleticism. If everything clicks, he'll be a scary player in this league.
Joe McKnight can play CB. Leon can't play CB. McKnight is a better football player than Leon. This is fun.
good way to not have to worry about him fumbling while being able to take advantage of his speed, hands and athleticism
Rex Ryan said in his press conference that when he went into USC as a freshman he was the best CB and Receiver on the team. ...but he played RB. I can't believe some people think he didn't have more potential than Leon coming into the NFL.
He doesn't even need to cover guys like Randy Moss. He can just puke on them and they will quit on their routes.
Rex also said that atm the team was well covered at the CB position and that he was focused on becoming a good RB. But hey if the guy is versatile god knows how many DBs are needed in Rex's D... knowing how to play the position won't hurt him.
Like I said in the other thread, if the guy can provide an emergency option at several positions, it frees up an active roster spot at a position that could use added depth. Versatility is the biggest word we keep hearing about McKnight, and that's a fucking fantastic word to hear used for your 3rd RB.
Even if he blocked the punt, he still wouldn't have demonstrated the ability to win a game for us since it was against the Bills. /junc'd
if your 3rd RB can also play CB and WR thats huge. think about troy smith (the NE WR) who played CB for bellicheck when they won the SB.
He is a hell of an athlete. If he could prove to be good enough to be an emergency option at CB and WR while being our 3rd RB and a key ST guy he can give the team a he'll of a lot of game day flexibility when it comes to filling a that last active roster spot or two.
