Quick Facts
Biography
Paul Dawson (born January 13, 1993) is an American football linebacker for the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League (NFL). He was drafted by the Bengals in the third round of the 2015 NFL Draft. He played college football at TCU.
Early years
Dawson graduated in 2011 from Skyline High School in Dallas, Texas, where he was utilized at wide receiver, helping lead Skyline to a 9-3 overall record as a senior, including a 7-0 district mark. He also competed as a hurdler on the track team.
College career
In 2014, Dawson was named a first team All-American by the Walter Camp Football Foundation as well as USA Today. Dawson was also named Big 12 Conference Defensive Player of the Year along with being named a first-team all conference selection.
Professional career
| Ht | Wt | 40-yd dash | 10-yd split | 20-yd split | 20-ss | 3-cone | Vert | Broad | BP | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 ft 0 in | 235 lb | 4.93 s | 1.60 s | 2.80 s | 4.49 s | 6.76 s | 28 in | 9 ft 0 in | 21 reps | ||||||||||
| All values from NFL Combine and Pro Day | |||||||||||||||||||
Dawson was selected with the last pick of the third round (99th overall) in the 2015 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals. Following the selection, Bengals defensive coordinator Paul Guenther compared him to Bengals Pro Bowl linebacker Vontaze Burfict. A projected second round pick entering the draft, Dawson was considered a steal when the Bengals selected him.
On September 4, 2016, Dawson was waived by the Bengals and was signed to the practice squad. He was promoted to the active roster on December 23, 2016.