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2015 NFL Draft: Who helped/hurt themselves the most at the combine?

By R. Phillips

Feb 21, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Georgia Bulldogs wide receiver Christian Conley jumps up to stretch before running the 40 yard dash during the 2015 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 21, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Georgia Bulldogs wide receiver Christian Conley jumps up to stretch before running the 40 yard dash during the 2015 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 21, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Texas Christian linebacker Paul Dawson talks to the media at the 2015 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 21, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Texas Christian linebacker Paul Dawson talks to the media at the 2015 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Hurt: Paul Dawson, LB, TCU

On tape, Dawson was pretty impressive this past season for the Horned Frogs. He has excellent instincts and closes down on plays well. I had him as one of the better linebackers in this year’s class. After a forgettable combine, I will have to re-watch tape, because Dawson flat-out flopped.

At 6-feet tall and 235 pounds, Dawson already isn’t very big, and needed to make up for his lack of size by showing a good strength/speed combination. He didn’t do that. Dawson ran a very slow 4.93-second 40 and turned in just 21 reps on the bench press. He was also unimpressive with his vertical (28 inches) and broad jumps (109 inches). Additionally, he looked very stiff in drills and seemed generally uncomfortable during his entire workout.

Dawson was very productive at TCU and could fit as either an inside linebacker or an outside guy in a 4-3. But unless he turns things around at his pro day any hopes of being a first- or early second-day pick are probably out the window.

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