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Kevin Dotson was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers with the 135th pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. Here’s some scouting reports on him.
NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein
The Good
Fundamentals have been drilled into him
Initial steps are controlled and purposeful as run blocker
Brute force and leg drive to generate movement
Well-versed in inside and outside zone
Heavy-handed punch
Balanced posture in pass sets with punch-ready hands
The Bad
A little short with top-heavy build lacking proportion
Has issues keeping balance when he’s cross-faced off snap
Not a natural knee bender
Needs to re-set hands more quickly
Mirror suffers when he loses proper base width
Feet and agility to recover are below average
The Verdict
Backup-caliber guard with the football intelligence, technique and run-blocking ability for eventual starter consideration in the right circumstance.
Draft Network’s Joe Marino
The Good
Big and physical. Love how he rolls his hips into contact, fits his hands and accelerates his feet to create push in the run game. Does well to keep his pads low and maximize his functional strength. Pop in his hands is notable, as is his core strength.
The Bad
Has to work on his footwork in pass protection to maintain a consistent base and set himself up to slide and mirror. Plays too tall in pass protection and when combined with his inconsistent base, it leads to body control issues.
The Verdict
Louisiana offensive linemen Kevin Dotson enters the NFL after starting 52 consecutive games across four seasons in college, all coming at the right guard position. Dots is a mauler in the run game that maximizes his play strength to create significant movement. His anchor is stout in pass protection and he has an ideal frame for interior play in the NFL. With that said, he’s technique in pass protection needs quite a bit of work, especially with his feet. If he can develop his footwork, Dotson has the makeup of an NFL starter in a power run scheme.
Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller
The Good
Powerful player with a junkyard-dog attitude who wants to punch you in the mouth and looks for the finish every play. Excels in the run game and could compete in any scheme; isn’t the most gifted athlete, but he understands leverage and angles at the line of scrimmage and as a climber.
The Bad
Will turn 24 early in his rookie season, and teams may not see much room for technical or physical maturation in his game. Stiff lower body; will struggle to redirect laterally versus speed-rushers. Wants to deliver blows and can get overextended in both phases fairly often; comes with some balance concerns and is on the ground far too often.
The Verdict
Dotson didn’t face the stiffest of competition while playing at Louisiana, but he managed to dominate enough to be recognized as an All-American. He isn’t a top-tier overall athlete in space, but he is a heavy-handed striker who can knock dudes out.
Pro Football Network’s Andrew DiCecco
From his article analyzing the top Sun Belt prospects.
Dotson is at his best when operating as a road-grading run blocker, but he is as complete as any guard in the 2020 NFL Draft class. A technician on the inside, Dotson has the footwork, power, hand placement, and understanding of leverage to be a Day 1 starter in the NFL.
and. . .
Dotson managed to parlay his decorated collegiate career into an invite to the prestigious East-West Shrine Bowl last month. The interior mauler utilized his 81-inch arms, 10-inch hands, and brute strength to his advantage, imposing his will against some of the top defensive linemen in the country.
Kevin Dotson was not invited to the NFL combine, but was invited to the East-West Shrine Game where he was impressive. Here is an interview with him from that week.