STRENGTHS
DaShawn has good size and overall good athleticism to play on the defensive line inside or outside. He has mature pass rushing techniques and is stout against the run using his long arms to control his opponent. DaShawn has the foot speed to be used for stunts and will take on the double team. He looks to be a good teammate working well in the defensive scheme. DaShawn has the size, long arms, athleticism and over all solid Football IQ to play in any style of defensive front.

CONCERNS
I’m not sure why DaShawn hasn’t been able to finish. As a stand up defensive lineman he seems lost on the field. When he puts his hand down on the ground he comes off the line with excellent burst and pad level to gain leverage but for some reason once again struggles to finish. To be honest, I don’t understand why he is standing up, and I don’t understand why he is pulled out of the game on obvious passing downs. He has the talent to be much better than he has been in college because there is no lack of effort on the field when he plays. This just might be one of those players who will be better and more productive at the next level than he was at the college level.

BOTTOM LINE
Is it possible that Alabama played this kid out of position and that’s why he didn’t have much production? Yeah, it’s possible. Nevertheless, that doesn’t excuse DaShawn’s lack of production because it’s obvious his play on the field did not force the coaches to change their minds about his potential to impact. So what do you do with a player with DaShawn’s talent and size? You draft him with the thinking that he is a rotation defensive lineman who just might be better at the NFL level than he was at the college level if you can find the right position that fits his talents. At least that’s my thinking.

Drew Boylhart   APR.2018