Dawson Chosen by Patriots in Second Round of 2018 NFL Draft
Friday, April 27, 2018 | Football
Dawson became the sixth Florida defensive back selected in the NFL Draft since 2016.
DALLAS – Former Gator defensive back Duke Dawson was selected in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots, who chose him with the 56th overall pick.
Dawson joins defensive lineman Taven Bryan (first round, 29th overall, Jacksonville Jaguars) as draft picks for the Gators thus far.
UF has had two defensive players selected in the first three rounds of the draft for the third consecutive year, which is the longest such streak in program history.
You can read about Bryan's selection to the Jaguars here.
Meanwhile, the Cross City, Fla. native became the sixth Florida defensive back selected in the NFL Draft since 2016, joining Marcus Maye (second round, 39th, 2017), Quincy Wilson (second round, 46th, 2017), Teez Tabor (second round, 53rd, 2017), Vernon Hargreaves III (first round, 11th, 2016) and Keanu Neal (first round, 17th, 2016).
Entering the 2018 draft, the Gators were tied with Ohio State and Miami (FL) for the most defensive backs selected during that span with five each, respectively.
New England has now drafted 14 Gators, most recently selecting Dominique Easley in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft. The Patriots have now selected 14 Gators, which ranks tied for sixth among NFL teams.
Gators 2018 NFL Draft Notes
- The Gators had multiple players selected in the first three rounds for the fourth-straight year. That is the longest run since its streak of eight years from 1997-2004.
- UF had two defensive players selected in the first three rounds of the draft for the third consecutive year, which is the longest such streak in program history.
- Florida has had six defensive backs selected in the NFL Draft since 2016. That mark is tied for first in the country with Ohio State. Meanwhile, Miami (5), LSU (5) and Alabama (4) all trail the Gators.
- At least one Florida player has been selected in every NFL Draft since 1952, the longest streak in SEC history.
- Ended his career with 48 games played, six interceptions, three INT returns for touchdowns, 23 pass breakups and 82 total tackles.
- 2017: Played and started in all 11 games… Totaled 34 tackles, four interceptions (one returned for a touchdown), nine pass break-ups and two tackles-for-loss… Notched that interception returned for a touchdown against Michigan… His four interceptions tied CJ Henderson for the team lead and it ranked 29th in the nation and third in the SEC... Dawson and Henderson recorded back-to-back INT return touchdowns in consecutive series against Michigan… They became the first CB tandem to accomplish that feat since Teez Tabor and Quincy Wilson did so against Missouri in 2016... Earned Honorable Mention All-American honors by SB Nation… Garnered First Team All-SEC honors by the league's Coaches and Second Team All-SEC accolades by the AP and Phil Steele.
- Played 12 games played and started seven throughout the season… Missed the SEC Championship Game due to injury… Was Florida's nickel cornerback throughout the season where he recorded one interception (returned for a touchdown) and a team-high seven pass breakups… Notched that interception returned for a touchdown at Arkansas… Also totaled 24 tackles, 3.5 tackles-for-loss and one forced fumble on the season… Notched that forced fumble against UMASS in Florida's season opener… Named Second Team All-SEC by Pro Football Focus.
- 2015: Played in all 14 games... Totaled 10 tackles on the season and recorded a forced fumble against East Carolina.
- 2014: Played in 11 games and made one start at safety...Totaled 14 tackles and had one interception... Led the team in tackles against Vanderbilt with six... Had four tackles at Tennessee in his first career start... Intercepted his first career pass in the season opener against Eastern Michigan and returned it 36 yards for a touchdown.
- Prior to Florida: Named to the Florida Class 1A First-Team All-State defense… Helped Dixie County to a 10-1 record during his senior season… Nominated to play in the 2014 Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl… Finished his high school career with 122 total tackles, 99 solo, and seven interceptions… Made 43 tackles, two interceptions and two forced fumbles as a junior… Chose Florida over Alabama, Florida State, Iowa and Wisconsin.
What's Out There?
- Check out all the social media buzz around Duke Dawson being selected by the New England Patriots.
Florida has had 6?? defensive backs selected in the first two rounds of the NFL Draft since 2016, which is tied for the top mark in the country.#GatorMade ?? #DBU pic.twitter.com/n4gxJEIWVO
— Gators Football (@GatorsFB) April 28, 2018
In assessment of Florida CB Duke Dawson, ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper praised his versatility but said he's concerned about Dawson's propensity for drawing penalties in coverage.
— Kevin Brockway (@gatorhoops) April 28, 2018
Last night: Dawgs.
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) April 28, 2018
Tonight: Dawson. #PatsDraft pic.twitter.com/Bg5iRpra0d
.@7upya__ ?? @Patriots
— Gators Football (@GatorsFB) April 28, 2018
Complete Story: https://t.co/bS2I1aPrA8
#GatorMade #PatriotsDraft pic.twitter.com/i7Rqvp4Jvd
The @Patriots just got a BALLHAWK.
— Gators Football (@GatorsFB) April 28, 2018
@7upya__ ?? #GatorMade
#GatorsAlways #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/Vwh3lt6Ajw
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