Giants to Host Penn State OL Nick Dawkins for Pre-Draft Visit

The 6-foot-4, 305-pound interior lineman brings extensive experience and strong intangibles to the 2026 NFL Draft.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 12:48pm

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The New York Giants are scheduled to host Penn State offensive lineman Nick Dawkins for a pre-draft visit. Dawkins, a redshirt senior center, played in 54 games over his Penn State career, including 28 starts, with all 16 starts coming at center during the 2024 season. He anchored the Nittany Lions' offensive line, helping facilitate significant rushing and total yardage outputs while allowing only two sacks across the year.

Why it matters

The Giants are looking to bolster their offensive line through the draft, and Dawkins' blend of size, versatility, leadership, and high-character profile make him an intriguing option for teams seeking depth and reliability on the offensive front.

The details

Dawkins, a 6-foot-4, 305-pound interior lineman from Allentown, Pennsylvania, declared for the 2026 NFL Draft in late December. He earned honorable mention All-Big Ten recognition from the media in 2024, along with prestigious off-field accolades such as the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy for community service and a spot on the AFCA Good Works Team. Dawkins' background includes notable athletic lineage as the son of former NBA champion Darryl Dawkins and cousin to NFL Hall of Famer Brian Dawkins and NBA star Karl-Anthony Towns.

  • Dawkins declared for the 2026 NFL Draft in late December.
  • Dawkins started all 16 games at center for Penn State in the 2024 season.

The players

Nick Dawkins

A redshirt senior center who declared for the 2026 NFL Draft, Dawkins played in 54 games over his Penn State career, including 28 starts, with all 16 starts coming at center during the 2024 season.

Darryl Dawkins

Nick Dawkins' father, a former NBA champion.

Brian Dawkins

Nick Dawkins' cousin, a NFL Hall of Famer.

Karl-Anthony Towns

Nick Dawkins' cousin, an NBA star.

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What they’re saying

“The New York Giants are scheduled to host Penn State offensive lineman Nick Dawkins for a pre-draft visit.”

— Easton Butler

What’s next

The Giants will evaluate Dawkins during the pre-draft visit to determine if he is a good fit for their offensive line needs in the 2026 NFL Draft.

The takeaway

The Giants' interest in Dawkins highlights the team's focus on strengthening their offensive line through the draft. Dawkins' combination of size, experience, leadership, and strong character make him an intriguing prospect for teams seeking reliable interior linemen.