Summary

Dion Dawkins was selected in Round 2 (#63 Overall) of the 2017 NFL Draft out of Temple University. Dawkins was a multi-year starter at Temple, earning First-Team All-AAC honors and anchoring one of the nation’s most physical offensive lines. In the NFL, Dawkins has developed into a long-term franchise left tackle and a cornerstone of Buffalo’s offense. Through the 2024 season, he has started 100+ career games, consistently protecting Josh Allen’s blind side while facing top-tier edge rushers. Dawkins has earned multiple Pro Bowl selections and Second-Team All-Pro honors, while serving as a vocal leader during Buffalo’s sustained playoff runs and AFC East title campaigns. He is widely regarded as a high-character, energetic leader, known for his toughness, durability, positivity, accountability, and strong locker-room presence.

Strengths

• Athleticism: Quick feet and lateral agility allow effective mirror ability in pass protection. Effective pulling and climbing to the second level.

• Anchor vs. Power: Improved lower-body strength to absorb bull rushers.

• Pass Protection Consistency: Reliable blind-side protector against speed rushers. Plays with edge and embraces elite pass-rush matchups.

• Recovery Ability: Athletic enough to recover when initially stressed.

Weaknesses

• Pad Level Consistency: Can play high, allowing leverage losses. More positional than dominating at the point of attack.

• Penalty Risk: Aggressive hands can lead to holding or false start penalties.

• Hand Placement Variability: Occasional wide punches allow counters.

• Refrigerator Build: More squat and stout than long for a tackle, he will be challenged at times by elite long-arm bull rushes.

Outlook

Dawkins is an ideal fit for Buffalo’s spread, pass-heavy offense, where his athleticism and recovery ability are critical in protecting a quarterback who extends plays. He thrives in systems that allow tackles to set vertically, use space, and recover, while also contributing to movement-based run concepts. His chemistry with Josh Allen enhances pocket trust and offensive rhythm. Looking ahead, Dawkins projects as a high-end starting left tackle with continued Pro Bowl–level value. While minor technical inconsistencies remain, his athletic profile, experience, and leadership give him a high floor and sustained impact. As he moves deeper into his prime, Dawkins remains a foundational piece of Buffalo’s offensive identity, capable of anchoring elite offensive lines and supporting championship-caliber aspirations.