Joe Dahl NFL Draft 2016: Scouting Report, Grade for Lions Rookie

POSITIVES

A three-year starter at Washington State after transferring from Montana, Joe Dahl has been used at both left guard (2013) and left tackle (2014-15).

A potential right tackle in the NFL, Dahl’s best projection is moving back to guard, where he has high-level starting potential. Teams we’ve talked to even mention his ability to play center. Dahl has quick, sudden movement skills and shows the short-area burst to stun defenders. He mirrors to the outside well and plays with poise and body control.

When asked to slide or get to the second level, Dahl has the ability to reach outside defenders. He makes contact with linebackers and can knock them down or cut them off at the point of attack. Dahl’s instincts and vision on the move are top-notch.

In pass protection, he has the production to perhaps get a shot on the edge in the pros. In our games charting Dahl, he only allowed three sacks and gave up just 10 hurries. Against Pac-12 competition, that could be slightly misleading, but Dahl was rock solid in each of the last three seasons.

NEGATIVES

A lack of ideal size and length will move Dahl inside to guard, where his lack of quickness as a kick-slider won’t be a factor. His heavy steps in space can be covered up when he’s back at left or right guard.

Dahl was a tale of two players. When healthy, he was a road-grader but struggled with injuries throughout his career. His willingness to stay on the field can be applauded, but it makes his evaluation spotty. Poor strength at the point of attack highlights Dahl’s tape, but that may be attributed to injuries throughout his career.

Technically, Dahl is solid, with only issues in his hand placement and punch timing showing up consistently. These issues didn’t stop him from producing, but NFL pass-rushers can easily knock away poor hands, and Dahl must round out his game.

An average overall athlete, Dahl could stand to add size and strength early in his NFL career. His lasting power in the NFL will depend on his ability to hold up physically and to add the power to maintain blocks against bigger, stronger defenders on the inside.

COMBINE RESULTS

Height: 6'4"

Weight: 304 lbs.

40 Time: 5.18s

Arm Length: 33 ⅛"

3-Cone: 7.64s

Short Shuttle: 4.77s

PRO COMPARISON: Joel Bitonio, Cleveland Browns
FINAL GRADE: 6.25/9.00 (Round 3—Future Starter)