STRENGTHS
An instinctive, tough linebacker with the skills to play inside or outside in a 4-3 defense, Paul Dawson consistently shows up on film. Dawson's instincts are off-the-charts good. He's quick to read and react and can meet the ball-carrier in the hole or make plays behind the line of scrimmage. Dawson isn't big, but he gets off blocks well and can slip through traffic without getting tied up. He's agile enough to move laterally, pull the chain and go get the ball in front of him or bail and get into coverage. When asked to get into coverage, Dawson's instincts are still top-notch, and they allow him to play very well in-phase with tight ends or backs.