TCU's Paul Dawson Is Most Confusing Prospect in 2015 NFL Draft

Of all the prospects in the 2015 NFL draft, TCU linebacker Paul Dawson is easily one of the most mystifying. It appears that the NFL draft world is unsure where to put the decorated linebacker, and between his combine performance and game tape he hasn’t done much to help his case.

Before the NFL combine, most draft experts and pundits were full-speed ahead on the Dawson bandwagon. Over the past two seasons, Dawson was one of the most productive defensive players in the country, amassing 227 tackles, 30 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks and five interceptions.

Playing in the Big 12, Dawson was forced to contend with some of the most high-powered rushing and pass offenses in the country. As I studied Dawson’s 2014 season it was evident the TCU coaches had the utmost confidence in Dawson regardless of the role he was asked to play.

Bleacher Report NFL Draft Lead Writer Matt Miller had this to say about Dawson back in January:

"

One of the first members of my #DraftCrush team? TCU LB Paul Dawson.

— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) January 8, 2015"

Luke Easterling, senior NFL draft analyst for DraftBreakdown.com, has offered praise as well:

"

Guys I'm higher on than many this year? Chris Hackett, Steven Nelson, Paul Dawson, Carl Davis, David Cobb, Stephone Anthony, Grady Jarrett.

— Luke Easterling (@LukeEasterling) February 18, 2015"

Without question, the praise is appropriate. All you have to do is put on a few TCU games and see what all the hubbub is about. Take a moment and peruse these highlights:

Watching these plays, it’s easy to see why pundits like Dawson so much. He shows exceptional short-area quickness, elite instincts and an aggressive stance. You can see how Dawson is able to keep his head up and break on the football. Rather than shed blockers, he slips them. This is very similar to what Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Derrick Johnson did during his time at Texas.

Dawson is far from perfect, as he struggles to release from blockers. Also, since Dawson seems to freelance a lot out there, he finds himself run out of plays at times.

So, with all this, Dawson’s spot in the draft is secure, yes? Well, there is the matter of the combine. Dawson showed up and laid a big old egg in the athleticism department. Check out Dawson’s 40-yard dash and try not to cringe a little.

That was not what most of his fans expected to see. And in typical knee-jerk fashion, Dawson became a hot topic in a hurry. NFL.com’s Gil Brandt talked about Dawson’s “subpar” combine:

"

His performance in Indy, which includeda poor showing in the 40-yard dash (4.93 seconds), did not match that level of production. He also didn’t look very smooth dropping back into coverage. Still, he was such a competitive overachiever as a Horned Frog that I’m confident he can overcome his lack of speed and athletic ability to be effective at the next level.

However, the prevailing opinion among the media and scouts is that the film trumps a lackluster combine.

"

CBS NFL writer Pete Prisco summed it up rather succinctly:

"

Paul Dawson sure plays a lot faster than those 40 times.

— Pete Prisco (@PriscoCBS) February 22, 2015"

However, what Dawson’s role will be in the league, and how effective he can be is still very much up in the air. Dawson’s experience in college may lead teams to believe he can help at multiple spots, and this could be the case. However, the list of players that fit is small.

What did Dawson think of his performance? This sums it up pretty well:

"

I'm an awesome football player. The best/most productive linebacker in this draft. Not a track Star. #meetmeonthefield

— Paul Dawson Jr (@PjDawson47) February 22, 2015"

Oh, and then there’s the matter of his character concerns. With Dawson coming in seemingly unprepared for the combine, it brings back to light the concerns about his commitment to the team. As Bob McGinn of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported, Dawson struggled with doing the right thing. This extended to being late to practices and meetings, bringing into question his work ethic and commitment.

Tony Gutierrez/Associated Press

In a draft with multiple undersized linebackers, Dawson is the man. His most effective role in the NFL could be as a 3-4 inside linebacker. Where Dawson may struggle is his long speed. If you have him five or six yards off the line of scrimmage, he’s going to get there in a hurry. NFL teams are going to flock to the TCU pro day in hopes of seeing an improvement in those triangle numbers.

How Dawson performs at that pro day could have a significant impact on where he is drafted. But there are going to be enough teams who need a player like him that he will still be in high demand.

The debate will continue to rage about who Dawson compares to. The only easy answer is Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict. The parallels from slow 40 time to potential character concerns are more than just a coincidence.

Draft Dawson with confidence and know he can play faster than he runs.