Wayne Knight RB UCLA |
NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
| Jersey: #3 ROLE: DUAL-ROLE Back | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Last Updated: 11/02/2026 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Draft Year: 2027 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| FORTY time: 4.52 seconds (64%*) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Jersey: #3 | |
| ROLE: DUAL-ROLE Back | |
| Last Updated: 11/02/2026 | |
| Draft Year: 2027 | |
| Forty time: 4.52 seconds (64%*) | |
| Overall Rating: |
79.8 / 100
|
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|---|---|---|
| Average rating of opposition Defense player has faced | ||
| Defense Rating: |
|
82% |
| Click the links below to view how player ranks vs other prospects. | ||
| Rushing: |
|
82% |
| Break Tackles: |
|
80% |
| Receiving/Hands: |
|
72% |
| Pass Blocking: |
|
33% |
| Run Blocking: |
|
51% |
|
DRAFT PROJECTION:
UDFA
Overall Rank:
#249
Position rank:
#18 (RB)
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| College Games: 45 College Snaps: 1071 | ||
| Player Comparison* (Similarity level) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Jerrion Ealy - Ole Miss |
|
77% |
| Tyler Badie - Missouri |
|
75% |
| Mohamed Ibrahim - Minnesota |
|
73% |
Draft Profile: Bio
Wayne Knight was a three-time all-state pick at Smyrna High School in Delaware but arrived at James Madison in 2022 without a recruiting ranking. He played in eight games as a freshman, redshirted in 2023 and ran for 449 yards in 2024.His 2025 season was one of the best in school history. Knight ran for 1,373 yards and nine touchdowns, caught 40 passes and set a JMU record with 2,039 all-purpose yards, earning second-team All-America honors. He was MVP of the Sun Belt title game after running for 211 yards, then transferred to UCLA in January 2026.
Knight scored three times against San Diego State and ran for 177 yards and two scores in the 52-38 win over Purdue on 19 September. He left the Michigan State game on 24 October with a rib injury but returned to score against Nevada a week later, and he has 12 rushing touchdowns in eight games.
Scouting Report: Strengths
- Makes defenders miss in tight spaces, with 23 avoided tackles this season
- Ran for 177 yards on 18 carries against Purdue, showing home-run ability
- Reliable scorer with 12 rushing touchdowns in eight games
- Proven receiver who caught 40 passes at James Madison in 2025
Scouting Report: Weaknesses
- Pass protection is a major problem, with four pressures allowed on 16 blocking snaps
- Very small frame limits him as an early-down back
- Production has dipped lately, with 23 yards on 13 carries against Wisconsin
- Left the Michigan State game with a rib injury
- Light workload at UCLA, averaging under 14 carries a game
Scouting Report: Summary
Knight is a quick, slippery runner who has produced at every stop. He makes defenders miss in small spaces, has the burst to break long runs, as he did against Purdue, and finishes in the red zone, with 12 touchdowns already this season. His receiving work at JMU adds to his value.However, his size limits him as an early-down back, and his pass protection has been poor. His production has dropped in recent weeks, with Wisconsin holding him to 23 yards, and a rib injury forced him out against Michigan State.
Overall, Knight brings real production and a third-down skill set if his blocking improves. He projects as a priority free agent change-of-pace back who can also help in the return game.
How other scouting services rate Wayne Knight (Overall Rank)
All Scouts AverageOverall Rank
209.5
All Scouts AveragePosition Rank
16.0
*Percentile Ranking in Player's Position Group (NFL Combine Historical Data): This percentile reflects how a player's specific statistics rank
in comparison to historical performances at the NFL Combine, specifically within their position group. A higher percentile indicates a better performance.
For instance, being in the 90th percentile for a particular stat means the player outperformed 90% of their peers in that category.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.