Jonathan Dowling (Western Kentucky) - 2014 NFL Draft Pick #247 by OAK
What The Experts Thought Before The Draft
Pre-Draft Analysis for Jonathan Dowling (2014 NFL Draft)
Player Overview: Jonathan Dowling was a safety from Western Kentucky University, known for his athletic ability, ball skills, and playmaking potential. Standing at 6'2" and weighing around 190 pounds, he possessed a good combination of size and speed that made him an intriguing prospect for NFL teams.
- College Performance:
- Dowling had a productive college career, showcasing his ability to make plays in the secondary.
- He recorded multiple interceptions, demonstrating his ball-hawking skills and awareness in coverage.
- Strengths:
- Exceptional athleticism and range, allowing him to cover a lot of ground in the secondary.
- Good instincts and awareness in reading the quarterbackâs eyes and anticipating plays.
- Strong ball skills, with a knack for making interceptions and breaking up passes.
- Versatile player who could potentially fit into various defensive schemes.
- Areas for Improvement:
- Needs to improve his tackling technique and consistency, as he sometimes struggled in one-on-one situations.
- Could benefit from more experience in complex defensive schemes to refine his coverage skills.
- Needs to add bulk to his frame to handle the physicality of the NFL.
- Draft Projection:
- Projected as a mid-to-late round pick, with potential to be a starter in the right system.
- Teams looking for depth in the secondary and a player with upside could take a chance on him earlier.
Jonathan Dowling was seen as a developmental prospect with the potential to grow into a reliable safety in the NFL, given the right coaching and environment.