Though the Cowboys have indisputably the best offensive line in the NFL, there is still a possibility they add yet another lineman through this year's draft. Yes, they have other, more dire needs, but depth on the offensive line is at a premium in this league and the Cowboys must make sure they have quality backups for their Pro Bowl starters.
If they were to draft an offensive linemen, they would need to bring in a versatile player, someone who could play either tackle position and maybe even move inside if needed. They would need to target someone with good size and play strength, but who is athletic enough to move and block in a zone scheme.
To get all of these things in one player is tough, but Temple offensive lineman Dion Dawkins showed last week, and during his college career, that he could be this player.
Dawkins is listed at 6'4″ 317 pounds, and started at left tackle for the Temple Owls in 2016. For his thick size, Dawkins is a very athletic player with the ability to come off combo blocks and get to the second level.
What jumps off the film when watching Dawkins, however, is his power. When he keeps his pad level low he can overpower just about any defensive linemen, and drive them off the ball. With his weight, strength, and arm length, Dawkins will certainly get a shot to play in the NFL.
Most expect Dawkins to be a rookie starter at guard in the league, but I could definitely see him playing tackle as well. At the Senior Bowl, Dawkins was one of the top three tackles when given the chance to play outside. No, he doesn't have the fluid kick sets of someone like Antonio Garcia, but his power and length go a long way towards making him a solid pro prospect.
Dallas met with Dawkins at the Senior Bowl, indicating at least a slight measure of interest in bringing him in this Spring. Dawkins is currently projected to be a late Day two selection, but after a solid Senior Bowl performance his stock may be on the rise. If this rise does occur, the chances of the Cowboys drafting Dawkins decrease significantly.
While I do think the Cowboys may draft an offensive linemen this year, I don't expect that to come in the first two or three rounds. With Dawkins rising and the rest of the tackle class being so weak, Dallas might not get a chance to snag their favorite o-linemen in this year's draft.
Either way, it's still good to have a deeper knowledge of who the players the Cowboys have been targeting are.
