2. Paul Dawson, TCU
Like Kendricks, Dawson is exceptional when it comes to defending both the run and the pass. Dawson is quick to dissect plays and reacts quickly to the ball, many times getting the stop on the other side of the line of scrimmage.
Dawson does not need to be taken off the field on third-downs. Instead, he’s an asset in pass coverage. He can match up with running backs in man-to-man coverage or rush the passer.
The linebacker’s poor NFL combine outing is still hanging over him. Dawson posted poor numbers in the 40, registering a time slower than some of the offensive linemen. He’ll have a chance to re-up his stock on TCU’s March 27 Pro Day. If he succeeds at that, he should be a second-round pick.
