NFL Draft Scouting Report: Paul Dawson

Oct 12, 2013; Fort Worth, TX, USA; Kansas Jayhawks quarterback Jake Heaps (9) is sacked by TCHU Hornede Frogs linebackers Paul Dawson (47) and Jonathan Anderson (41) at Amon G. Carter Stadium. TCU defeated Kansas 27-17. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

My Take

Everything I saw on tape matches everything the scouts are saying about Dawson. And for that reason, there’s no way on God’s green Earth that I would have him in the middle of my defense. To have him at middle linebacker is become the worst run defense in the NFL.

He’ll give you inflated tackle production because of his speed and ability to get to the ball but you can run right at him. Instead of taking on a guard, shedding him, then making the play, he’ll go around the guard. Once he’s gotten around it, he comes back in to make another tackle for his stats but it’s a gain of seven.

And in the NFL, where every weakness is relentlessly attacked until you strengthen it, he’ll cost his team. He’s good in coverage but even that is overrated because he grabs his man around the waste with both arms when his man is going to make his break. But I will say he has tremendous burst off the edge and that’s where he should line up on Sunday’s.

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