Former Penn State football offensive lineman Nick Dawkins went undrafted in the 2026 NFL Draft, but was picked up by the Baltimore Ravens following the three-day event.
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Regardless of where he landed, drafted or undrafted, Dawkins is prepared to prove that he belongs in the NFL.
At rookie minicamp in Baltimore, the new Raven explained his mindset heading into this chapter of his career.
"I'm used to being the low man on the totem pole," Dawkins said, according to Clifton Brown of Baltimoreravens.com. "When I came to Penn State, I was the lowest-rated recruit in the class. People were insinuating that I should go somewhere smaller because I wasn't going to make it at a big-time school like that."
The lineman added that he's ready to put himself on the totem pole, understanding it won't just be given to him and that many will underestimate him. His outlook allowed him to be unfazed by the result of the draft, not being picked up by a team initially.
Nick Dawkins is "used to being the low man on the totem pole" and embraces an underdog mentality
The go-getter attitude will help Dawkins thrive in an environment that is seemingly setting him up to fail. His perspective, however, won't let that happen.
"If I wasn't as invested in my family's success as I am, I probably would've accepted mediocrity. But I know I have potential. I know, they have [Corey] Bullock, [Jovaughn] Gwyn, and [Danny] Pinter here – guys that can ball. But why not me? I believe I'm going to play here. That's what I believe."
The Ravens' offensive line room isn't stacked with starters, especially at center. Tyler Linderbaum departing to the Las Vegas Raiders in free agency opened that spot with no exact backup coming in to fill it.
Even with Bullock, Gwyn, and Pinter in the running for the role, Baltimore still lacks a guaranteed starter as of early May.
It's a prime opportunity for Dawkins, and he knows it too. Even just making the 53-man roster ahead of the regular season is one step closer to achieving his long-term goal.
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