Picture this: a 225-pound linebacker from Buffalo, straight outta the Mid-American Conference (MAC), turning heads and snapping necks at his Pro Day like he’s got a personal vendetta against every scout who dared to sleep on him. Leading the nation in tackles, snagging six sacks, grabbing five picks, breaking records, earning All-American status, yet the experts at the NFL Combine just straight-up ghosted him? That’s like throwing a no-hitter and still getting benched. Nah, not a whisper. But that’s just the beginning. What happens next? The NFL’s about to have their plans flipped on their heads, potentially exposing the Detroit Lions and New England Patriots' draft strategies.
Shaun Dolac came from the mud, starting his college football journey as a walk-on at the University at Buffalo. No star rating, no hype, just pure grit. Five years later, he’s the program’s first-ever consensus All-American—an honor not even Khalil Mack pulled off. Somehow he still didn’t get invited to the Senior Bowl, Shrine Bowl, or NFL Combine. The disrespect was real. Yet instead of sulking, Dolac went all out at his Pro Day, delivering a performance that had scouts second-guessing their evaluations.
At his Pro Day, Dolac clocked an unofficial 4.55 40-time, bench pressed 25 reps, and achieved a 35.5-inch vertical. His footwork was sharp and precise. Before his performance, scouts viewed Dolac as an undrafted free agent; however, his Pro Day made it clear he’s now a solid fifth-round prospect. “I guess everybody kind of saw how fast I can run,” Dolac mentioned while maintaining his humility.
Now here’s where it gets spicy. NFL teams, particularly the New England Patriots and Detroit Lions, are eyeing this kid. Sports Illustrated’s mock draft has the Buffalo Bills considering him in the seventh round, while the Boston Herald reports that the Patriots are contemplating grabbing him in the same round. But with his stock rising, teams are likely to adjust their draft plans quickly.
So why's everyone suddenly intrigued by this linebacker? It’s straightforward. Dolac led the nation in tackles with a school-record 168. He racked up 18.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, and five pass breakups. His statistics and accolades paint a picture of a player who could significantly impact any NFL team's defense. The Mid-American Conference recognized him as the Defensive Player of the Year, a title he earned five times, demonstrating his consistent high-level performance.
While many overlooked Shaun Dolac, the Patriots and Lions were paying attention. New England’s defense, currently in flux, is seeking reinforcements under head coach Mike Vrabel and DC Terrell Williams. They’ve strengthened their defensive line with players like DT Milton Williams; however, linebacker depth remains a concern, even with the recent addition of Robert Spillane.
On the other hand, the Detroit Lions have also amassed a strong linebacker corps with talents like Jack Campbell and Malcolm Rodriguez. However, adding a player of Dolac's caliber could enhance their defensive strategy and create healthy competition within their ranks. His versatility and explosive performance at the Pro Day could provide both teams the depth they require.
The Buffalo Bills aren’t excluded from the hunt; they’ve faced numerous linebacker injuries in recent seasons. Matt Milano has only started nine games over the last two years due to injuries, and Terrel Bernard is still unproven. They need reliable depth, and Dolac, with his combination of speed, strength, and tackling ability, could fit right into the Bills' system designed for toughness and raw energy.
What’s compelling about Dolac is not only his talent but also his potential narrative as a local hero. As a Buffalo native, he embodies the underdog spirit that resonates well with fans in Buffalo. Imagine Dolac lighting up Highmark Stadium as part of the Bills' roster; it would be the perfect underdog story. GM Brandon Beane’s history shows he’s capable of unearthing talent in late rounds, which only solidifies Dolac's candidacy for selection.
The interest in Dolac from teams like the Patriots, Lions, and Bills highlights the importance of recognizing talent that might fly under the radar. His Pro Day performance has proven that he is not only worthy of a draft pick but is also potentially a game-changing addition for any franchise looking to enhance its linebacker depth.
For New England, Dolac could represent the versatile linebacker they need to rejuvenate an aging defensive unit. For Detroit, he could add grit and tenacity—a perfect match for their fast-paced offense. Every GM across the league should take note: the NFL Combine may have overlooked Shaun Dolac, but his Pro Day performance writes a compelling case for teams desperate for linebacker depth.
Should any team miss out on him in the draft, they might find themselves regretting the oversight of a player who has the potential to turn their defense into a formidable wall against any offense. The message is clear: Shaun Dolac could easily transition from being an undrafted prospect to a pivotal piece in a team's championship chase, proving that sometimes the overlooked candidates have the most to prove and offer when given the chance.