FanPost

O-Line Help Could Be Closer Than You Think?

With the upcoming NFL Draft only a month away, anyone who is a Carolina Panthers fan knows Dave Gettleman and company will likely use at least one if not two of Carolina's draft picks to help address the unsettling situation which is the Panther's offensive line. With reports surfacing that the team has met with or worked out potential draft day targets in Morgan Moses, Billy Turner, and Cameron Fleming. I found it curious that the team has met with a local standout and it has went unnoticed till now.

Per Draftinsider

- Word in scouting circles has Dakota Dozier of Furman building momentum for himself recently. Scouts point to way Dozier stepped up against better competition the past two seasons, specifically mentioning the game film against LSU and Clemson. I’m told Dozier has had private workouts with the Carolina Panthers and Jacksonville Jaguars.

Now I know you are thinking to yourself that Dozier did not play for none of the AQ football programs, but that does not change the fact he dominated the ranks of the FCS (Football Championship Subdivision) during his collegiate career. Dozier was an Associated Press FCS First Team All-American last year and an unanimous three time all conference selection while at Furman. Dozier's draft stock started to pick up some real steam after his invite and showing at this years Shrine Bowl. Dozier has good technique on film and plays with a nasty edge to his game which coaches like Ron Rivera will salivate over. He has nice measurables standing in at 6' 4" weighing 314 lbs. Dozier also has close to 34 inch long arms. In retrospect Dozier seems very similarly built to another player Carolina has shown interest in from the same state nonetheless in Brandon Thomas the OT from Clemson.

Here are some notes on Dozier I found.

CBSSPORTS Dakota Dozier

STRENGTHS: Well-proportioned, athletic-looking, muscular frame. Exhibits light feet, a fluid kick-slide, and is a natural bender. Gets good arm extension to keep defenders out of his chest, and utilizes his lower half well to establish leverage on contact and absorb the power rush. Quick off the snap as a run blocker, and gets off the line and into the hole swiftly when asked to trap or pull. Shows good awareness on the move and does a good job of utilizing active hands to hold sequential defenders at bay and maintain course through contact. Can break down and change direction rapidly and exhibits impressive body control to maintain balance in tight spaces, particularly when firing through the line to the second level.

WEAKNESSES: Will over-extend off the snap, or simply set his feet too early in pass protection leaving him susceptible to being stood up and pushed back, or swatted to the side. Gets too far out and over his feet at times on the move, and will whiff or drop his head as a result. Appears to possess some natural power but it doesn't consistently show up on contact. Played mostly tackle at Furman but may need to move to guard due to lacking ideal length to play tackle at the next level.

COMPARES TO: Jonathan Cooper, Guard, Arizona Cardinals - Dozier's "plus" athleticism and movement skills are extremely impressive for a big man, and may remind some of last year's seventh overall pick Jonathan Cooper. Dozier's limited experience against high-level competition and very recent conversion to guard (Shrine Game) certainly differentiate him from Cooper in terms of draft value, but his upside could be massive and it wouldn't be surprising to see him gone by the end of round three.

--Derek Stephens (2/5/14)

With the current state of affairs with the offensive line, and the current starters penciled in with Bell, Silatolu, Kalil, Scott, and Williams. This is a combination with the exception of Kalil that is not a viable long term solution for a group as a whole. I have read some reports from other talent evaluators that seem to think Dozier can play RT in the pros and not just be limited to being a guard at the next level. The same line of thinking has been linked to Brandon Thomas as well. With Dozier's solid technique and mean streak in the run game I say he can hold up at tackle. Plus it is my opinion that the reason Carolina has scouted two very similar players in Dozier and Thomas is that if one of them gets snatched up before Carolina can select them then they have a fall back option in place with the other one most likely still being on the board.

Dakota Dozier vs Coastal Carolina 2013

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