2017 NFL Scouting Report: Scouting Temple Guard, Dion Dawkins

One prospect who the Denver Broncos have been showing interest in and may consider during the early parts of the 2017 NFL Draft is former Temple offensive lineman, Dion Dawkins. He is a 6'4", 314lb offensive lineman who is considered one of the better guard prospects in the draft. Dawkins is ranked as the 58th best player in the 2017 NFL draft according to CBS Sports and is ranked as the third best guard in the draft.

Dion Dawkins

Guard | Senior | Temple

Height: 6'4" | Weight: 314lbs | 40 time: 5.11 seconds

Bench Press: 26 reps | Vertical Jump: 26 inches

Broad Jump: 106.0 inches | 3 Cone Drill: 7.30 seconds(Top performer at his positional group at the Combine)

20 Yard Shuttle: 4.78 seconds

Film Room

Scouting Report:

Strengths:

• Big, wide, and thick frame
• Powerful run blocker
• Strong and has good core strength
• Long arms(35")
• Quick off the snap
• Good enough balance
• Good feet
• Has a mean streak which the Broncos are looking for
• Played in both zone and power schemes
• Experienced player who played three full seasons at Temple

Weaknesses:

• Probably not a left tackle will likely shift inside to guard or play right tackle
• Needs work on his technique
• Inconsistent hand usage and feet can be all over the place sometimes
• Some stiffness in his hips
• Has some sloppy weight to him
• Only played tackle so transition to guard may not go smoothly
• Relies on his power too much which makes his technique sloppy
• Needs work but potential to be a good guard

Does Dion Dawkins make sense for the Denver Broncos?

If they're looking for another guard or potentially a right tackle, sure, but he's not your answer at left tackle.

I like Dawkins if they're looking to add competition at the right guard position. Ronald Leary is likely sharpied in as the Broncos starting left guard while a host of Broncos battle for the right guard spot. Those players include 2016 starters Max Garcia and Michael Schofield and 2016 fourth round pick Connor McGovern. I have my doubts that the Broncos will add another draft pick to battle here. It would create quite the gaggle of players at the position and likely meaning one of the four would end up being released or traded.

Dawkins could come in and play right tackle, but the Broncos already signed Menelik Watson for that spot and still have 2016 starter Donald Stephenson and former second round pick Ty Sambrailo at the position. So again, I'm not sure where another interior player or right tackle fits in this scenario.

If the Broncos are looking for a likely guard to play left tackle, I would much rather they target Forrest Lamp instead of Dawkins. Lamp is more athletic, has better feet, and much more technically sound for the position.

Now with all that said, it has been rumored that if the Broncos trade down that Dawkins may be their target so we shall see.

If added, he will give the Broncos a big run mauler in the run game who if develops can turn into a very good guard in the NFL.