Duke Dawson NFL Draft 2018: Scouting Report for New England Patriots' Pick

POSITIVES

—Above-average processing to diagnose route concepts in motion.

—Willing to throw around compact frame in run support.

—Can play boundary or slot in the NFL.

—Solid footwork at the line of scrimmage to stay square and patient laterally and throughout his backpedal.

—Good spatial awareness to run in-phase and play the ball at the catch point.

NEGATIVES

—Deep speed is underwhelming; he'll struggle to match up man-on-man versus burners.

—Tight-hipped player who doesn't show the smooth downfield strides to run with elite talent.

—Handsy; will draw flags in the NFL against receivers who can sell it.

—Instead of wrapping, dips his head into contact to be a bigger hitter than needed and will whiff.

—Only 5'11", which causes concern when projecting how he'll challenge big-bodied receivers down the field.

OVERALL

Duke Dawson is an aggressive corner who likes to press and mirror at the line of scrimmage. He's best when disrupting releases early and slowing some of the downfield speed that can give him trouble. He has the awareness to play on the boundary or in the slot and should push for a backup and depth role early on.

GRADE: 6.00 (Round 3)

PRO PLAYER COMPARISON: D.J. Hayden, Jacksonville Jaguars