NFL.com Draft Analysis
Everett Dawkins
Strengths
Quick, penetrating defensive tackle with an explosive first step. Good hustle as a pass rusher, trying to shed even when his initial move doesn’t work. Low center of gravity helps him get under the pads of blockers to push them into the backfield. His quick feet give him the first step to be effective and the agility to burst past his man and adjust to mobile quarterbacks trying to avoid him within the pocket. Slippery, and has a nice inside swim and outside rip move. Active in pursuit from the backside. Feels pressure well, and re-directs when his initial stunt takes him away from the ball.
Weaknesses
Plays a bit out of control at times, getting into the body of his opponent and getting taken out of plays, or ending up on the ground when trying to out-quick his man. Does not have elite size or strength to get through better linemen once they are anchored – which could also cause him issues standing up to NFL offensive linemen on a down-by-down basis as a starter. Poor pad level prevents him from being able to get under offensive lineman’s pads. Does a good job re-directing with his spin move, but gets overly reliant on it once its successful. Gets overpowered often at the point of attack and pad level causes him to struggle against base blocks and double teams.
NFL Comparison
Derek Landri
Bottom Line
An active interior presence who didn’t rack up huge numbers due to Florida State’s constant defensive line rotation (4.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks over the last two years) but possesses the quick first step and hands to be a thorn in the side of NFL offensive lines. If a coach can work on his pad level and improve his ability to anchor, he might have potential as a starter down the line. He projects to be a Day 3 draft pick.