Penn State Center Nick Dawkins NFL Draft Profile

After four seasons as a Nittany Lion, including two as a starting center, Nick Dawkins declared for the NFL draft.

Dawkins anchored the offensive line during an impressive 2024 season and a middling 2025 campaign, showcasing mixed results. He opted out of the Pinstripe Bowl against Clemson despite being projected to go undrafted, potentially hurting his chances.

“There’s someone who may say I’m the worst teammate ever, I’m the worst guy ever because I opted out of a bowl game,” Dawkins said at Pro Day. “Fair enough, you can enjoy that opinion. I understand it. I get it. I truly do understand it. I was disappointed myself, my teammates. You can ask them what they think about me. That’s kind of who I care about.”

Dawkins’ father Darryl Dawkins played 14 seasons in the NBA and his cousin Brian Dawkins played 16 seasons in the NFL. Now he’ll look to follow in their footsteps with a professional contract.

Chosen as a team captain in 2025, Dawkins was considered a vocal leader for the team. He consistently graded highly in pass protection but struggled in run blocking.

Pro Day results:

Height: 6-foot-4

Weight: 305 pounds

Vertical jump: 32 inches

Broad jump: 9-foot-4

40-yard dash: 5.16 seconds

Projection: Undrafted

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