Temple lineman Dion Dawkins drafted in the second round by Buffalo
Coach Sean McDermott said his NFL position is to be determined.
Dion Dawkins, who was projected in many quarters as a second-round pick, indeed was selected there after the Buffalo Bills traded up to select the Temple offensive lineman.
The 6-foot-4, 314-pound Dawkins was the second-to-last choice of the second round, 63rd overall by the Bills.
Dawkins will be joining a coaching staff that is well aware of Temple and the players the Owls produce.
New coach Sean McDermott, the former Eagles defensive coordinator has former Eagles long-time offensive line coach Juan Castillo as his offensive line coach.
The assistant offensive line coach is Andrew Dees, a former offensive line coach at Temple.
Former Temple coach Matt Rhule, now the head coach at Baylor, was with Dawkins during a small draft party on Friday in Philadelphia.
"It was very emotional for me," Rhule said in a telephone interview.
"It's an unexplainable feeling because this is a feeling that only a few of us get, and I'm just truly thankful," Dawkins told reporters in Buffalo.
Click here for more coverage of the 2017 NFL draft in Philadelphia. Our live blog will have updates for rounds four through seven.
When asked what position Dawkins will play, McDermott said, "To be determined. I want to see him come in, get comfortable, learn the system."
It's been a big draft for Temple, with linebacker Haason Reddick being selected 13th overall in Thursday's first round by the Arizona Cardinals.
"I am so proud of both of them and know a lot of our guys who either get drafted [Saturday] or sign as free agents will have long careers," Rhule said.
Reddick, who was best friends with Dawkins and often competed against him in practice, was just as ecstatic.
"I am extremely happy for him and wish him the best of luck on this journey," Reddick said in a text message."
As a senior, Dawkins started all 14 games at left tackle for Temple and earned first-team all-American Athletic Conference honors. Temple went 10-4 for the second straight year and won the AAC championship.
For his career Dawkins appeared in 44 games for the Owls, making 40 starts.
Dawkins has the ability to play guard or tackle, and this versatility no doubt was in his favor.
Buffalo traded up with the Atlanta Falcons for the right to select Dawkins. The Falcons traded their second round pick (63rd overall) for the Bills third round selection (75th overall) and two fifth round picks 149, and 156.
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