cover1 Posted September 9, 2017 Posted September 9, 2017 I think I speak for most of us when I say that we are pretty surprised that Dawkins hasn't beaten out Jordan Mills. I dont think it will be long, if there is one thing that this staff has made clear, competition will always be present. So if Dawkins continues to improve he will crack the lineup. But here is a breakdown of his preseason.
Deranged Rhino Posted September 9, 2017 Posted September 9, 2017 Thanks for this (and all your content).
Wayne Arnold Posted September 9, 2017 Posted September 9, 2017 I think I speak for most of us when I say that we are pretty surprised that Dawkins hasn't beaten out Jordan Mills. I dont think it will be long, if there is one thing that this staff has made clear, competition will always be present. So if Dawkins continues to improve he will crack the lineup. But here is a breakdown of his preseason. Great stuff as always, Erik. I think having to play both the left and right side hurt him in his battle for the starting RT position. But he'll be starting by midseason.
YoloinOhio Posted September 9, 2017 Posted September 9, 2017 He is super athletic. I wouldn't rule out a tackle eligible play sometime this season with him catching a TD. ✍️
atlbillsfan1975 Posted September 9, 2017 Posted September 9, 2017 Very strong mauler type. He looks like he is still developing as a pass blocker. His footwork on setting and engaging passrushers needs to improve. He will be used in sub packages for short yardage. Let's hope he can get better with coaching and playing time on he pass blocking.
Houston's #1 Bills Fan Posted September 9, 2017 Posted September 9, 2017 I definitely like this pick back at draft time. I hope he turns into a blue chip steal.
Billsfansinceday1 Posted September 9, 2017 Posted September 9, 2017 Good stuff. Thanks, Cover1. It is too bad Dawkins could,'t spend more time at RT in the preseason, but that will come.
GunnerBill Posted September 9, 2017 Posted September 9, 2017 Cheers Erik. I thought his best game in pass pro was the Eagles game where he played left tackle. Does that match what you saw? I still feel as though he finds the foot movement in the vertical drops a little more "natural" at left tackle than at right. My guess throughout has been that he takes over for Mills after the bye.
Bill from NYC Posted September 9, 2017 Posted September 9, 2017 He looks like he would be a superstar playing at Guard. Jmo.
atlbillsfan1975 Posted September 9, 2017 Posted September 9, 2017 He looks like he would be a superstar playing at Guard. Jmo. what makes you say that?
fansince88 Posted September 9, 2017 Posted September 9, 2017 He looks like he would be a superstar playing at Guard. Jmo. Bill! Good to see ya!
Fingon Posted September 9, 2017 Posted September 9, 2017 what makes you say that? Dude mauls the **** out of people in the run game, but has issues with footwork in pass protection. Playing guard maximizes your mauling the **** out of people and lessens the need to be a ballerina.
Coach Tuesday Posted September 9, 2017 Posted September 9, 2017 what makes you say that? He's running over dudes on running plays. Interesting player.
Kmart128 Posted September 9, 2017 Posted September 9, 2017 Glens injury which forced Dion to take LT reps probably hurt Dion a little bit. Its hard enough for a rookie to come in and learn the NFL game but throw in being shuffled around in a couple different positions instead of getting constant reps at one position slows down the learning curve.
TPS Posted September 9, 2017 Posted September 9, 2017 Cheers Erik. I thought his best game in pass pro was the Eagles game where he played left tackle. Does that match what you saw? I still feel as though he finds the foot movement in the vertical drops a little more "natural" at left tackle than at right. My guess throughout has been that he takes over for Mills after the bye.i don't now, he looked (footwork) pretty awkward on the right side, so it may take awhile before it becomes a little more natural for him. He'd certainly improve the run game, but then they'd have to give him help in pass pro, which limits your options a bit. Hope he's working on it in his sleep...
atlbillsfan1975 Posted September 9, 2017 Posted September 9, 2017 Dude mauls the **** out of people in the run game, but has issues with footwork in pass protection. Playing guard maximizes your mauling the **** out of people and lessens the need to be a ballerina.Yep, that's how I feel about him right now. Hopefully he can develop footwork so he doesn't appear lost on an island with the pass rusher. His body language in some of the clips by the OP(thank you for those) make him look tentative and as if he is forcing himself. The one clip where his drop foot is kicking back and touching is text book practice rep. It appears Like many players up to this point physical ability has carried them. At the NFL level he will need to improve technique. It can be done.
thebandit27 Posted September 9, 2017 Posted September 9, 2017 All I can say is that I'm grateful that we have posters like Erik that know their X's and O's this well.
Coach Tuesday Posted September 9, 2017 Posted September 9, 2017 Glens injury which forced Dion to take LT reps probably hurt Dion a little bit. Its hard enough for a rookie to come in and learn the NFL game but throw in being shuffled around in a couple different positions instead of getting constant reps at one position slows down the learning curve. Might've hurt him in the short term but I'm sure the coaches are pleased that he got the varied experience this offseason.
Marty McFly Posted September 9, 2017 Posted September 9, 2017 Thanks for this breakdown. OL men have an adjustment period but the talent is there, his pass pro needs a big step up this year. Hope someone sends him to offensive line school this offseason. Might've hurt him in the short term but I'm sure the coaches are pleased that he got the varied experience this offseason. Agree. Trial by fire in preseason is always a good thing.
Recommended Posts