2015 Atlanta Falcons Potential Draft Pick Profile: LB Paul Dawson

When it comes to positions that are being talked about as needs, inside linebacker is right at the top for the Atlanta Falcons. However, Paul Dawson doesn't inspire anyone into thinking he is a true upgrades to Paul Worrilow in the middle.

Dawson shows NFL-level talent on film, but it's not starting-caliber talent long-term, and his selection should just be for depth or competition. If Atlanta takes a middle linebacker in this year's draft, it should be someone who is an upgrade over Worrilow.

Paul Dawson

Linebacker

Texas Christian University

Combine/Pro-Day Measurements

Height: 6'0 ⅛" Weight: 235 pounds

Arm length: 31 ½" Hand measurement: 9 ½"

40-yard dash: 4.75 sec. 10-yard split: 1.60 sec.

20-yard shuttle: 4.49 sec. Three-cone drill: 6.76 sec. Bench reps: 21 

Vertical jump: 30.0" Broad jump: 9'4"

Stats (from CFBStats)

2014: 13 games played, 136 tackles, 20.0 tackles for loss, 6.0 sacks, 5 QB hurries, 4 interceptions, 2 fumbles forced, 5 pass deflections, 1 defensive touchdown

2013: 12 games played, 91 tackles, 10.0 tackles for loss, 0.5 sacks, 1 QB hurry, 1 interception, 3 pass deflections

2012: 13 games played, 14 tackles, 1.0 tackle for loss, 1 fumble forced

2011: Played at Trinity Valley Community College (junior college level)

Scouting Report

Strengths

When he guesses right, Dawson is one of the best linebackers in the game. He looks like he understands coverages well and can make plays on the ball. He catches well and can cover in man or zone effectively if he's filling his assignment properly.

He can read into the backfield well on running plays and can attack ball-carriers effectively on cut-backs. Dawson can tackle anyone and doesn't miss tackles very often, as he shows excellent form. He also has the intelligence to time his blitzes well and winds up getting a lot of sacks because of it.

Weaknesses

As good as Dawson is when he guesses right, he guesses wrong just as often and winds up taking himself completely out of plays at times. His lack of discipline on the field will frustrate a linebackers coach and aggravate his defensive coordinator.

He doesn't penetrate the line well when he has open lanes and has trouble shedding blocks to get to the ball-carriers. He lacks functional strength and athleticism and needs to be hidden within a scheme to minimize his negative impact in games.

How Does He Fit the Comrade Filter?

Dawson was a highly productive college player and three-year starter for the Horned Frogs. His career numbers of 31.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks and five interceptions show his potential on the field. However, he has some off-field questions that will hurt him. There was the question of a failed test for Adderall during his sophomore year.

And then there was a quote from an AFC Scout that seemed ominous, per Lance Zierlein of NFL.com: "My grade will be two rounds later than just the talent grade. It has to be factored in." When scouts are going public with quotes like that about you, there's fire to the smoke that's coming out, even if there is no arrest or suspension to point to.

Overview

On the field, Dawson is a true 50/50 player. Fifty percent of his plays are going to be fun to watch and positive plays that help your team. Fifty percent of his plays are going to be bad guesses or blown assignments that hurt your team. The question is whether the positive can outweigh the negative.

Add in his questionable off-field persona, and NFL teams have many better options throughout the draft like Eric Kendricks, Stephone Anthony, Shaq Thompson and Benardrick McKinney. Dawson's overall value is in the middle of the third day, but he will likely go in the middle of the second anyway.

How He Would Fit into the Falcons' Plans

Should the Falcons want to draft Dawson, he will likely cost their second- or possibly third-round pick. He's going to go higher than his talent level suggests he should go—which is the fifth round. The Falcons would put him into a competition with Worrilow right away for the starting middle linebacker job.

And honestly, there's not much hope for Dawson as a rookie to win that competition, as he's just too unpolished and makes too many negative plays. The Falcons would be better off passing on Dawson unless he somehow slips to the middle of the third day. He's just not worth the risk.

All stats used are from Pro Football Focus' Premium Stats, ESPN.com, CFBStats or NFL.com. All combine and pro day info is courtesy of NFLDraftScout.com. All contract information is courtesy of Spotrac.

Scott Carasik is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report. He covers the Atlanta Falcons, college football, the NFL and the NFL draft. He's also a Draft Analyst for Pro Football Spot.

Follow @ScottCarasik