Dion Dawkins
G, Temple · 2017 NFL Draft, Round 2, pick #63 (BUF)
Why he was overlooked Patterns
Signals in our data that pointed to him being undervalued: position, availability. Details below.
- Position
G (OL group).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 59.3% of the time (919 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Availability
Played 143 of ~149 possible regular-season games from 2017 through 2025 (~96%). Plus 6 games so far in 2026.
- Pre-draft rankings
ESPN's pre-draft board ranked him #50 (#2 at his position), close to where he went (#63). The whole market, not just his team, missed on him.
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.6% of the time (2,104 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Age
23 years old at the draft (nflverse).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.4% of the time (2,127 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- School
Temple: not a Power-conference school (our conference list).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.5% of the time (1,426 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Athletic testing
Ran a 5.11 40-yard dash at 314 lbs: faster than 74% of OLs timed at the Combine since 2000.
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.5% of the time (2,288 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
Every line comes from data: nflverse draft, combine and career data; ESPN's pre-draft ranks. No scouting reports or quotes. Green = pointed toward a steal for him.
Career numberslive
| Games | 149 |
| Seasons as primary starter | 9 |
| Pro Bowls | 5 |
| First-team All-Pro | 0 |
| Career wAV (Pro Football Reference) | 73 |
| 2026 in-season credit (est.) | 2.8 |
| Redraft value (wAV + 2026) | 75.8 |
| Receiving | 2 rec, 8 yds, 2 TD |
| Defense | 2 tackles, 0 sacks, 0 INT |
| Last NFL season | 2026 |
Career wAV via nflverse draft_picks + 2026 in-season credit from snap counts through Week 7.
The 2017 class: draft pick vs. redraft rank Full redraft
Each dot is a 2017 pick. Dashed line = typical redraft rank for each slot (2000–2021 classes). Above the line = beat his slot.
How players like him did
| Position OL | 59.3% n=919 | |
| Pre-draft rankings Within a round of ESPN's rank | 50.6% n=2,104 | |
| Age 23 | 50.4% n=2,127 | |
| School Non-Power school (Group of 5 / FCS / smaller) | 50.5% n=1,426 | |
| Athletic testing Middle 50% | 50.5% n=2,288 |
Share of 2000–2021 picks with the same trait who beat their draft slot. Line = 50%.
Measurables & pre-draft
| Height / weight | 6' 4", 314 lbs |
| 40-yard dash | 5.11 s |
| Bench press | 26 reps |
| Vertical | 26" |
| Broad jump | 106" |
| 3-cone | 7.3 s |
| Shuttle | 4.78 s |
| Age at draft | 23 |
| ESPN pre-draft rank | #50 overall (#2 G) |
Picked around him 2017 redraft
| 60 | Chidobe Awuzie | redraft #63 |
| 61 | Josh Jones | redraft #120 |
| 62 | JuJu Smith-Schuster | redraft #35 |
| 64 | Taylor Moton | redraft #26 |
| 65 | Larry Ogunjobi | redraft #32 |
| 66 | Ahkello Witherspoon | redraft #83 |
How verdicts and reasons are computed: methodology. Steal / bust = 32+ spots better / worse than the typical redraft rank for the slot.