Dakota

Dozier

Dozier didn’t play a single offensive snap for the Vikings last season after a brutal 2020 season which saw him start full-time and finish with a 36.7 PFF pass block grade. He’ll be part of the plan, along with Lucas Patrick, for the Bears to try to replace the departing James Daniels.

Mike Zimmer told reporters that a fully vaccinated player had gone to the emergency room with Covid, and Cronin reports that Dozier is the player that Zimmer was referencing. Dozier is reportedly in stable condition but remains at the hospital. It’s a scary situation and our thoughts are with Dozier and his family.

Dozier played essentially every snap last season, though he was one of the league’s very worst guards. The Vikings haven’t really made many additions to their line yet, only acquiring G/C Mason Cole, but Dozier should be returning as a depth option instead of starter.

Dozier appeared in all 16 games and made four starts for the Vikings last year. The 28-year-old will return as veteran depth that can back up multiple spots.

Dozier is a jack-of-all-trades reserve lineman who typically saw 100-200 snaps per season with Gang Green. He will be employed in similar fashion in Minnesota.

The college tackle has played guard through two seasons in the NFL, and he believes that will still be his primary position moving forward. Getting reps at center gives Dozier more flexibility, however, and could help him in his quest for a roster spot. The 2014 fourth-rounder has played just four career snaps.

Dozier was a tackle at Furman who was moved to left guard as a rookie last year. Now he’s being asked to expand his versatility again despite never playing a game at center in high school or college. Jets starting center Nick Mangold in under contract through 2017.

The 137th pick in last weekend’s draft, Dozier is one of Rotoworld draft guru Josh Norris’ favorites. He needs to get stronger, but we wouldn’t put it past Dozier to challenge 2013 third-rounder Brian Winters for a starting job.

Dozier (6-foot-3 3/4, 313) was a 44-game starter for the Paladins, earning the Jacobs Blocking Award as a senior, given to the top lineman in the Southern Conference. A college left tackle, Dozier will kick to guard in the pros, where his size, length (33 3/4-inch arms) and movement skills give him a chance to develop into a sturdy NFL starter. Dozier needs to get stronger up top (23 bench-press reps) but offers natural flexibility and flashes of power.

Dozier was a #DraftTwitter favorite last year, and the Jets selected him in the fourth round. He didn’t play a single snap as a rookie and has fallen out of favor under a new Jets regime. Some believed Dozier (6'4/313) had the skills to develop into a long-term starter at guard after playing left tackle in college.