Draft Profile: Joe Dahl

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Could the Washington State guard be a fit for the Jaguars?

By Jordan de Lugo

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Who Is This Guy?
Joe Dahl started his collegiate career at the University of Montana, but after only one season decided to transfer to the school he grew up cheering for. Dahl sat out his first year at Washington State, per NCAA rules, but as soon as he stepped on the field in 2013 he was named the starting left guard for the Cougars. He started the entire season at left guard before being moved to left tackle for the teams Bowl Game. He stayed at left tackle for the remainder of his college career earning All Pac-12 Honors and Second Team All-American in 2015. Despite his stellar play at left tackle Dahl projects as a guard or center in the NFL.

Strengths 
Dahl is one tough football player. For an interior lineman he possesses good size, standing 6'4'' tall and weighing in at over 300 pounds. He has a high football IQ and understands how to play multiple positions along the line. He played in a pass heavy offense at Washington State and excelled against a variety of pass rushes. When the Cougars did decide to run the ball, Dahl displayed explosion off the line. Dahl plays with a wide base and shows good flexibility in his lower half. He never quits on a play even if he has been beaten initially -- a trait that is often overlooked. From the guard position, Dahl displays the ability to finish off pass rushers engaged with the left tackle. Dahl is a solid football player that projects to be a starter sooner rather than later.

Weaknesses
​Dahl doesn't have many weaknesses to his game. His arm length is slightly below average for an interior lineman and he isn't a plus athlete. He definitely isn't the ultra athletic guard type that is required for a zone running schemes, which will turn some teams away from Dahl. His slow feet may limit his impact when attempting to block down field.

Is He A Fit With The Jags?
​The Jaguars need another starting interior lineman. They currently have only two starting quality players on the interior in Brandon Linder who can play guard or center, and A.J. Cann who will be a guard moving forward. If Linder kicks inside to center, which the Jags have repeatedly said they are comfortable with, and Cann fills the right guard position as he did most of last season due to Linder's injury, then Dahl could easily come in and man the left guard position from day one. The Jaguars don't need an ultra athletic guard, what they need is someone who will consistently play physical and someone who excels at pass blocking and run blocking. Dahl's size, physical nature, and big time work ethic will make for an easy transition to the pro game. If the Jaguars elect to take defensive players with their first two picks in the draft, then Dahl should be the choice in the third round. He will greatly improve the Jaguars offensive line and could be a starter for many years to come in Jacksonville.