Shaun Dolac Is a DIAMOND in the Rough | The Most Disrespected Linebacker in the Draft

Shaun Dolac, a linebacker from the University at Buffalo, has garnered attention for his exceptional performance in college football, positioning himself as a notable prospect for the 2025 NFL Draft. He has embraced the underdog role, and has become a deep sleeper.
Many feel Dolac would be a high draft pick if he was 2 inches taller, but when you turn on the film, the kid is everywhere. He is an absolute diamond on the football field.
Let’s break down the First Team AP All-American Linebacker, especially after watching several games of his.
Physical Attributes:
- Height: 6’1″
- Weight: 225 pounds
- 40-Yard Dash: Approximately 4.70 seconds
College Career: Dolac’s journey from a walk-on to a standout linebacker at Buffalo is a testament to his dedication and skill. Over five seasons, he accumulated 384 tackles, six interceptions, 12 career sacks and 12 pass breakups, showcasing his versatility and impact on the field.
Strengths:
- Tackling Prowess: Dolac led the Mid-American Conference (MAC) with 168 tackles in a single season, with 81 solo tackles setting a school record and leading all FBS players by a significant margin.
- Run Defense: His ability to read plays and make decisive stops has been instrumental in Buffalo’s defensive schemes.
- Coverage Skills: Dolac’s proficiency in pass coverage is notable, with the highest number of coverage snaps among linebackers, indicating his reliability in defending against the pass.
- Leadership and Work Ethic: Transitioning from a walk-on to a team leader reflects his commitment and influence both on and off the field.
Areas for Improvement:
- Athleticism: While effective, Dolac’s athletic metrics, such as his 40-yard dash time, are average, which may impact his ability to cover faster opponents at the professional level.
- Size and Strength: At 225 pounds, he may need to add bulk to withstand the physicality of NFL play, particularly when engaging with larger blockers.
Draft Projection: Dolac is projected as a potential late round pick/priority free agent
Conclusion: Shaun Dolac’s collegiate achievements, marked by his tackling ability, coverage skills, and leadership, make him a compelling prospect. However, to enhance his draft stock and succeed at the next level, addressing certain physical and athletic aspects will be crucial. Because he was overlooked by all the All-Star Games he will have to show his worth at his Pro-Day. He understands the story of an underdog, and I feel he will definitely find a way to impress. As a Buffalo Bills fan, I hope we find a way to land him on our team. I will take a guy that comes in and works his ass off every day. Those are the players that make it in the NFL!

NFL Draft Diamonds was created to assist the underdogs playing the sport. We call them diamonds in the rough. My name is Damond Talbot, I have worked extremely hard to help hundreds of small school players over the past several years, and will continue my mission. We have several contributors on this site, and if they contribute their name and contact will be in the piece above. You can email me at nfldraftdiamonds@gmail.com