STRENGTHS: Possesses great agility for the position, showing quickness, balance and flexibility to avoid blockers and handle coverage responsibilities. Doesn't possess the preferred height for the position but sports a compact, well-proportioned frame and long arms. Quickly locates the football and shows terrific speed and effort in pursuit. Isn't afraid to attack gaps when he sees opportunities to make a play behind the line of scrimmage. Scrapes the corner and closes in a flash. Fluidity when changing directions and acceleration are also clear in coverage, where Dawson shows good awareness and ball-skills. Tackles low, wrapping ball-carriers securely.
WEAKNESSES: Relies on his agility rather than mass or strength to take on and shed blocks in the hole. Rarely extends his arms to keep blockers away, instead dancing laterally to slip by. In doing so, Dawson takes risky angles, at times, leaving cutback opportunities and the defense vulnerable. Surrounded by awful lot of speed at TCU and played in a relatively simple see-the-ball, get-the-ball scheme. Comes with typical JUCO questions about his maturity and ability to handle a complicated playbook.
COMPARES TO: Lavonte David, Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Like the 6-1, 233 pound David, Dawson has the agility and instincts to star if protected up front by a stout defensive line and allowed to roam free. Today's pass-happy offenses make size less of a detriment at linebacker than it once but schematic limitations could push Dawson into the second round, just as it David.
