In a fast-paced passing league, the need for bookend offensive tackles has soared in what seems to be a position suddenly depleted of consistent talent. It will soon be an epidemic if things don’t start to change though as high profiled high school recruits are choosing the glitz and glam of the defensive line, racking up the sacks, and stacking up the racks. Meanwhile, offensive line has played second fiddle and coaches are being forced to take lesser talent and try to develop them into a starting quality player.
There’s still hope, though, as some players still choose to lay down a pancake block and would rather be in the business of paving holes for their running back behind them. Enter Temple offensive tackle Dion Dawkins. A two-star recruit who has always had a passion for the position and has made a name for himself in the AAC conference. Dawkins started 40 of 41 possible games during his career and was named to PFF’s All-Power Five second team.
After making a name for himself in college, Dawkins’ next task is to carry his reputation with him into the pre-draft process, starting this week at the Senior Bowl. “It’s a great feeling just to put the helmet on and have the opportunity to play,” Dawkins said.
Dawkins caught national attention after showcasing his rare blend of power and athletic ability
The week-long event held by Phil Savage is known to be an extremely valuable week for prospects to showcase their skill-sets and can catapult or drop a player’s draft stock after just a few short practices.
Dawkins caught national attention after showcasing his rare blend of power and athletic ability, bullying his competition and becoming the anchor for the Owls’ pro-style offense. From a scout’s eye, his familiarity and comfort level in a three-point stance is something that separates him from his peers and puts him ahead of the curve when it comes to transitioning into the NFL.
Finding offensive lineman from a pro style system is a rare find these days as most colleges run a spread ’em out offense that asks their lineman to do a fraction of what will be demanded of them at the next level.
However, Dawkins isn’t in the clear just yet as his Senior Bowl coaches have thrown a curveball at him this week asking him to move inside to guard. The switch comes with hesitation from him as Dawkins understands he will now be more vulnerable than ever at making mistakes and looking unnatural at a position he hasn’t played in since high school.
“It could definitely hurt me because I’m new to playing guard,” he said, “but I’m just trying to take it step by step.”
When I asked him what things specifically were going to be the biggest challenges when making the move inside, Dawkins was vocal about the change of pace and size differential of his opponents across from him. “Simply put, everything is on top of you extremely fast,” he said. “It’s really a different world.”
The switch inside to guard was an unexpected one for Dawkins
While the switch inside to guard was an unexpected one for Dawkins it will ultimately help him in his journey towards being drafted and making a 53-man roster. “I just want to learn from everyone around me whether it’s an offensive tackle, a center, or a quarterback,” he said.
While the practice and game time are important and play a key role in the evaluation process, it’s certainly not the end-all be-all. Coaches want to see a player’s mindset and attitude when thrown in uncomfortable situations both on the field and outside the turf. It’s a mindset like Dawkins that thrives on making the best of his situation and staying thirsty for the knowledge to become a true professional.
Dawkins has a rare blend of physical tools and comes from a pro-style system. These two things alone make him an intriguing prospect with good upside at a position that is desperate for an influx of talent. However, it’s his mental courage to take on challenges like the ones he faces this week that could solidify him as a top-100 pick come April.
Stay tuned all week for plenty coverage of the 2017 Senior Bowl.
Full Dion Dawkins interview below
