Tim Dobbins ILB 6'1 246 Iowa St.
By: Robert Davis

Dobbins began his career in the junior college ranks at Copiah Lincoln in Mississippi. In two seasons there, he totaled 210 tackles, 13 sacks, and four interceptions. He moved on to Iowa St. in 2004, and made an immediate impact at inside linebacker for the Cyclones. He was named the Big 12's Defensive Newcomer of the Year after posting 61 tackles, 3.5 for loss, and two interceptions. As a senior, he emerged as a team leader, and finished the year with 103 tackles, 7.5 for loss, and one sack.

Dobbins is a very good all around middle linebacker prospect. He is built like a tank, and shows very good strength on the field. He has very good speed for an inside linebackers, and can run down plays sideline to sideline. He closes on the ball carrier very quickly. Dobbins shows the ability to read and react and make the play, in coverage or near the line of scrimmage.

At barely 6'1, Dobbins lacks ideal height in the middle. He can match up in coverage, but when covering a tight end, he gives up too much height to make plays on the ball. Despite his speed and athelticism, he's not going to make the big plays to change the momentum of a game.

Tim Dobbins is a player that you want to go to battle with. He's not a difference maker, but he shows up every play and is always near the action. For a team needing a solid middle linebacker in the middle rounds, Dobbins may be the best talent available.