Anthonie Knapp 2027 NFL Draft: scouting report for Notre Dame, IOL

Notre Dame offensive lineman Anthonie Knapp is set to move to guard in 2026. How does that help his 2027 NFL Draft outlook?

Ryan Roberts National College Football Writer
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Notre Dame offensive lineman Anthonie Knapp (54) celebrates a Notre Dame touchdown during a NCAA college football game between Notre Dame and Louisville at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in South Bend.
Notre Dame offensive lineman Anthonie Knapp (54) celebrates a Notre Dame touchdown during a NCAA college football game between Notre Dame and Louisville at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in South Bend.

Height: 6-4

Weight: 304 pounds

Year: Junior

Pro Comparison: Joel Bitonio

Pros for Anthonie Knapp

  • Knapp’s experience at left tackle has helped him create sound fundamentals and patience in pass protection 
  • In the running game, Knapp possesses a great baseline of power and leg drive to create consistent movement at the point of attack 
  • He plays with outstanding effort in both the run and pass game, consistently finishing defenders on the ground 
  • Knapp has some rock-solid hands, showcasing a powerful punch and violence in his mitts 
  • With experience running both zone and gap schemes, Knapp is a diverse blocker who should fit into any offensive system

Cons for Anthonie Knapp

  • Knapp is transitioning into guard this season, and without available film, it’s a projection for just how good he can be inside 
  • In the passing game, Knapp has a bad habit of letting his feet stall once making contact at his set point 
  • He shows a lack of confidence and comfort in 1-on-1 pass-rushing situations 

Background

Knapp was a heavily debated player coming out of Roswell (Ga.) High School in the 2024 recruiting class, with some rating him as a three-star and others as a four-star recruit, depending on the major platform you frequent. On the 247 Sports Composite ranking, Knapp ended up rated as the No. 332 overall player, the No. 26 offensive tackle, and the No. 38 player from the state of Georgia for the 2024 class. Notre Dame won out over Penn State, Indiana, Missouri, Louisville, Virginia Tech, Georgia Tech, UNC, NC State, Virginia, Wake Forest, Cincinnati, and Duke, among others. 

Despite being a pretty underrated recruit, Knapp was tasked to start at left tackle as a true freshman in 2024. During that initial season, Knapp was named a Freshman All-American by The Athletic, ESPN, College Football Network, and 247 Sports. In two years, he has started 27 games at left tackle for Notre Dame. Knapp has moved to left guard heading into the 2026 season, where he is expected to be one of the best in the country.

Player Evaluation

Despite coming in as an underrated 2024 recruit, Knapp was able to make an early impact as the starting left tackle for the injured Charles Jagusah. Knapp’s experience at left tackle has helped him create sound fundamentals and patience in pass protection, which should be huge inside. In the running game, Knapp possesses a great baseline of power and leg drive to create consistent movement at the point of attack. He is known as one of the best members of the Notre Dame team in the weight room. He plays with outstanding effort in both the run and pass game, consistently finishing defenders on the ground. Knapp has some rock-solid hands, showcasing a powerful punch and violence in his mitts to stay latched. With experience running both zone and gap schemes, Knapp is a diverse blocker who should fit into any offensive system.

Knapp is transitioning into guard after playing left tackle this season, and without available film, it’s a projection for just how good he can be inside. In the passing game, Knapp has a bad habit of letting his feet stall once making contact at his set point. He shows a lack of confidence and comfort in 1-on-1 pass-rushing situations, which should be mitigated with his move inside. Knapp will have some big chances against the likes of Miami to showcase his upside long term.

While there is some projection needed here, Knapp is an extremely intriguing interior offensive lineman on the next level. If he can transition well, there is some starter upside in the long term. Knapp will be an interesting player to keep a close eye on.