Section 215
Fansided

Temple Owls: How will those selected in the 2017 NFL Draft perform

By Len Patterson

Apr 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Haason Reddick (Temple) is selected as the number 13 overall pick to the Arizona Cardinals in the first round the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Haason Reddick (Temple) is selected as the number 13 overall pick to the Arizona Cardinals in the first round the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

In the last two years the Temple Owls have had six players selected in the NFL Draft, today i will be highlighting the 2017 cast of Owls making their way into the NFL.

The 2017 NFL Draft was one of the most exciting drafts in recent memory. The Chicago Bears traded up to select Mitchell Trubisky, the quarterback from North Carolina and we saw 8 of the first 12 selections coming from the offensive side of the ball.

As mentioned, the Temple Owls selected in the 2017 NFL Draft will be highlighted, beginning with Haason Reddick who was selected 13th overall by the Arizona Cardinals. Followed by, Dion Dawkins who was selected by the Buffalo Bills in the 2nd round with pick 63 and lastly Nate Hairston who the Indianapolis Colts selected with 158th overall pick in the 5th round.

Haason Reddick – Linebacker – Arizona Cardinals – Pick 13

Reddick, once a walk on for the Temple Owls, was selected 13th overall by the Arizona Cardinals. With a strong post season showing, Reddick created enough buzz around the league to be considered a sure-fire top 20 pick. Reddick posted an impressive stat line during his final season at Temple, as a senior in 2016, in which he Registered 65 tackles and 10.5 sacks, earning First Team All-AAC honors.

More from Big Five

With the Cardinals, Reddick should immediately make an impact. Arizona has done a great job of acquiring athletic linebackers that get to the quarterback. Haason will likely be in rotation with ex-Steeler Jarvis Jones as a linebacker that will be asked to cover tight ends and running backs as well as rush the passer. Although Haason might not play 100% of defensive snaps this season he is in the position to make an immediate impact.

Interesting Haason Reddick stat – Reddick ran a 4.52 40 yard dash at the NFL combine, running faster than; Doug Martin, Michael Crabtree and Frank Gore coming out of college.

Dion Dawkins – Tackle – Buffalo Bills – Pick 63

Dawkins has been brought in by the Buffalo Bills with the hope he can immediately compete for the starting right tackle position. Dawkins was an anchor for the Temple Owls on the offensive line, starting 41 of 44 career games. After winning top offensive lineman at the Senior Bowl, Dion cemented himself as a day 2 prospect.

Buffalo must be very high on Dawkins as they traded up to select him at pick 63. The Bills traded with the Atlanta Falcons giving them Picks 75, 149 and 156 for pick 63. With Cordy Glenn as the Buffalo Bills starting left tackle, Dawkins will be battling with Jordan Mills to start from day one at the right tackle position.

Interesting Dion Dawkins stat – considering Jason Peters came into the NFL as a tight end, Dawkins had a faster 20 yard shuttle, faster three cone drill and did 5 more reps of 225 at the combine.

Nate Hairston – Cornerback – Indianapolis Colts – Pick 158

Hairston came to Temple as a wide receiver and never truly excelled. After his sophomore season, the Owls coaching staff converted him into a cornerback where he found more success. With a knack for finding the football, Hairston did enough in his final two seasons at Temple to get drafted in the 5th round.

The Indianapolis Colts have been trying to build a secondary for years and haven’t succeeded, leading to a clear emphasis in this draft on upgrading the defense. Drafting Malik Hooker, the safety from Ohio state in the first round, Quincy Wilson, the corner from the Florida Gators in the 2nd round and Hairston in the 5th. Hairston will have a chance to play this year with a strong camp and pre-season. With Vontae Davis being the only guaranteed starter at corner, Hairston will battle with 2nd round pick Quincy Wilson and Rashaan Melvin, a corner that has bounced around the league  for starting reps.

Interesting Nate Hairston stat – with a 4.52 40 yard dash time, Hairston ran a faster 40 than Malcolm Jenkins, 6th overall pick Jamal Adams, Trey Burton and Pro Bowl wide receiver Jarvis Landry.

Next: Temple 2017 Season Outlook From Hez Trahan

The Temple Owls football program excelled under the guidance of former head coach Matt Rhule and as a result, the Owls have seen an increase in players getting drafted into the NFL with a total of six over the past two seasons. The three Owls that were drafted this year all have a clear shot to get first team reps in their rookie season with an opportunity for a long NFL career.

Home/Big Five