Picture this: a 225-pound linebacker from Buffalo, straight outta the Mid-American Conference (MAC), turning heads at his Pro Day. After leading the nation in tackles, snatching six sacks, and grabbing five interceptions, the San Jose native Shaun Dolac went from being undrafted to a potential fifth-round pick. This dramatic shift begs the question—how did his Pro Day performance attract interest from NFL teams like the New England Patriots and the Detroit Lions?
Shaun Dolac came from humble beginnings. The West Seneca native began his college football journey as a walk-on at the University at Buffalo. With no star rating or hype surrounding him, Dolac focused purely on improving his game. Five years later, he became the program’s first-ever consensus All-American, an honor that even Khalil Mack didn’t achieve. Despite his accolades, he was snubbed for the NFL Combine, joining an unfortunate club of talents overlooked by scouts.
Dolac didn’t lose motivation, however. Instead, he unleashed his skills at his Pro Day, putting on an impressive showcase that had scouts regretting missing the opportunity to see him. A 40-yard dash time of 4.55 seconds and performance metrics, including 25 bench press reps and a 35.5-inch vertical leap, signaled that Shaun Dolac was anything but ordinary. All of a sudden, draft analysts and scouts began reassessing their evaluations, and the whispers of teams picking Dolac began.
The Rise of Shaun Dolac
Leading the nation in tackles with a staggering 168, including 18.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, and five pass breakups, Dolac made a name for himself as one of the fiercest linebackers around. His statistics don’t lie; they paint a picture of a player who commands attention on every play. The accolades came pouring in as he was named the Mid-American Conference Defensive Player of the Year and secured the title of Consensus All-American. Meanwhile, the NFL Combine seemed like a missed opportunity that haunted the scout community.
NFL Team’s Interest: Patriots & Lions Eye Dolac
Both the New England Patriots and the Detroit Lions reportedly have their sights set on Dolac. As head coach Mike Vrabel and defensive coordinator Terrell Williams look to rebuild Patriots’ defense, Dolac could add versatility that their current linebacker corps may lack. The Patriots have added defensive tackle Milton Williams to bolster their front line, but questions linger around their linebacker group, especially after the signing of Robert Spillane.
On the other hand, the Detroit Lions are fostering a strong linebacker unit filled with potential, featuring players like Jack Campbell and Malcolm Rodriguez. Adding Dolac could be an intelligent move to fortify their defensive depth—an opportunity to draft a player who could quickly adapt to and thrive in their high-octane system.
Is Buffalo the Perfect Fit?
Rumors have emerged about the Buffalo Bills eyeing Dolac as a solution to their linebacker depth issues. The recent struggles with injuries to their starters, specifically Matt Milano, have led to an undeniable need for depth and reliability in their defensive lineup. Could this mean returning Dolac home? His background and expertise make him an ideal candidate for the tough, gritty style of defense that defines Buffalo.
Here are some key reasons why Dolac could find a home with the Bills
- Local Ties: A player from the same city will resonate with the fans and add a cherished narrative to the franchise.
- Proven Performance: Dolac’s stats speak volumes about his ability to disrupt opposing offenses and secure tackles.
- Defensive Strategy Fit: Buffalo’s defense thrives on aggressiveness and grit, and Dolac embodies that philosophy.
The Takeaway
As the NFL Draft approaches, the landscape has changed dramatically for Shaun Dolac. Teams like the New England Patriots, Detroit Lions, and Buffalo Bills are reevaluating their strategies, thanks to Dolac's impressive showcase. His performance raised eyebrows, marking the transition from an undrafted player to a serious prospect. Scouts are scrambling to adjust their notes, realizing they might have overlooked a gem. So, as draft day approaches, keep an eye on Shaun Dolac because whoever snags him is getting a linebacker ready to make waves.
Looking ahead, Dolac represents more than just statistics. He embodies the spirit of determination and talent that teams madly chase during draft season. Will it be the hometown Buffalo Bills who give him a shot? Or will the New England Patriots or the Detroit Lions snatch him up first? Only time will tell.
For now, Dolac is a prime example of an overlooked athlete who could be the unexpected answer to teams in search of defensive depth and versatility. Drafting Shaun Dolac could well be one of the smartest decisions in this NFL Draft.