2009 Colts Training Camp: Keyunta Dawson moved to defensive end

by BigBlueShoe on Aug 4, 2009 12:15 PM EDT in Training Camp Comment 25 comments

Keyunta Dawson, a defensive tackle for the last two years, has moved to defensive end. Image: cache.daylife.com

Last week, we posted an article discussing the competition at the three technique defensive tackle spot, or what is commonly called the "undertackle" position.

In the article, I discussed last year's starter at the position, Keyunta Dawson, and his chances of winning the job heading into this year's training camp:

Dawson is one tough, durable SOB! At 254 pounds, he is a good 10-12 pounds lighter than Dwight Freeney. In fact, he is almost the exact same height and weight as Colts second year linebacker Philip Wheeler. Yet, despite playing at only 254, Dawson plays his position well by using excellent technique. When he has someone next to him who can occupy blockers, Dawson can attack his gap with excellent effectiveness and cause problems for offenses.

Unfortunately, this year I get the sense that Dawson will need a great camp just to make the team. With Moala drafted and Foster possibly switching to UT, Dawson is a bit expendable. But, Dawson is a hard worker who has risen to the challenge before. If he impresses at camp, maybe he sticks around.

With the Colts drafting Fili Moala and (seemingly) converting NT Eric Foster to a over-tackle, Dawson is not the kind of player Colts defensive coordinator Larry Coyer is looking for at DT. However, Dawson is not, by any means, a bad player. So, instead of having Dawson compete for a DT spot he likely will not win, the Colts have shifted Dawson from DT to defensive end. From Mike Chappell [emphasis mine]:

How deep and promising is the mix? Consider Keyunta Dawson, a 254-pounder who started 14 games last season, has been moved to end, and 265-pound Eric Foster, who started 11 games as a rookie, has his work cut out to avoid slipping down the depth chart.

It is possible that one of the reasons longtime defensive end Josh Thomas was not re-signed was because they anticipated Keyunta Dawson could move to DE. At 6'3, 255 pounds, Dawson could fill the role of a solid, run-stuffing DE. If he develops some pass-rushing moves (he's fast and has good quickness), Dawson could find a place at DE on this roster.

With Dawson now at DE, the Colts have him and Raheem Brock to relieve Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis on first down.

Also, metal_militia posted a FanPost about this news as well.

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Comments

I saw this coming

I actually thought this was going to be his position when he was drafted. Good to see they are giving him a chance to succeed. Are we going to keep 11 D Linemen this year? We seem stacked.

I also wish I had time and motivation to blog at Speed Blue Nation

by Bullard47 on Aug 4, 2009 12:19 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

It was

it was a really weird decision to move him to DT when it first happened.

I bet he still sees some time there in obvious passing situations. Kind of like last year when they had him and Brock in there so that there could be 4 quick pass rushers.

by willyduer on Aug 4, 2009 2:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think this is a good move

I always felt that dawson was better suited at end and I think he will be really good at the end rotation.

by metal_militia on Aug 4, 2009 12:23 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

FanShot

I just saw your fanshot MM. Thx.

SB Nation's Indianapolis Colts blogger at Stampede Blue. Please make an account and post a diary, add some comments, and make some noise. Accounts are free, and only require an email address.

by BigBlueShoe on Aug 4, 2009 12:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

beat you to it as well

;)

by metal_militia on Aug 4, 2009 12:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Dawson may be a bit small, but he's a damn good football player . . . .

. . . .and tough as nails, too. The move outside lets him better utilize his athleticism to make plays. IMO he sticks and plays great as a DE.
Also, I recall hearing Eric Foster being interviewed on Colts.com recently, where I swear I heard him say he had beefed up to a little over 280 lbs. (from 265). That being the case, he may be a mainstay in the DT rotation.
One more thing . . . . .From Peyton to Saturday to Brackett right on down the roster, these guys are not only better than ever, they’re PISSED OFF!! Nice combination. Let’s hope the “experts” keep predicting the Colts’ demise. :-)

by oldecoltsfan on Aug 4, 2009 12:33 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Ye olde colts fan,

(I couldn’t help adding the Ye!) The experts don’t know any more about it than we do. Whenever I hear the predictions about the Colts I always say to anyone who’ll listen, “Don’t EVER underestimate the heart of a Champion”.

"You can't defend the perfect throw, what can I say?" Peyton quoting Marino

by Indy Lori on Aug 4, 2009 2:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Out of curiosity

What position did Dawson play in college? I couldn’t find any specific info, just that he was on defense.

How can you not love a team that does this?

by LovinBlue on Aug 4, 2009 12:48 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I remember

Him playing end when I watched TT games. I could be wrong, it has been a few years.

I also wish I had time and motivation to blog at Speed Blue Nation

by Bullard47 on Aug 4, 2009 12:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

End

He was a DE.

SB Nation's Indianapolis Colts blogger at Stampede Blue. Please make an account and post a diary, add some comments, and make some noise. Accounts are free, and only require an email address.

by BigBlueShoe on Aug 4, 2009 1:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

May 14th - i guessed correctly!

http://forum.colts.com/showpost.php?p=871509&postcount=43

by purplehog on Aug 4, 2009 2:02 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Dawson v. Cu. Johnson?

Sounds like these two are fighting for a roster spot. Or could we be looking at a cheaper Brock. I’d lean toward the former.

by GonzoBlue on Aug 4, 2009 2:23 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

BBS, do you mean under tackle

When you’re saying over tackle above?

by CooperManningsNotTrying on Aug 4, 2009 3:25 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I did

Changed it. Thanks!

SB Nation's Indianapolis Colts blogger at Stampede Blue. Please make an account and post a diary, add some comments, and make some noise. Accounts are free, and only require an email address.

by BigBlueShoe on Aug 4, 2009 6:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Okay

He’s a talented Josh Thomas now. This doesn’t change my roster predictions as much except that I think Antonio Johnson could be in trouble. I will be heartbroken if Eric Foster loses a spot on the roster.

"I saw a commercial on late night TV, it said,'Forget everything you know about slipcovers.' So I did. And it was a load off my mind. Then the commercial tried to sell me slipcovers, and I didn't know what the hell they were."
-Mitch Hedberg

by Colts Homer on Aug 4, 2009 4:42 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Josh Thomas was the slowest DE in the history of Football

I hated when they would switch out Freeney for Thomas to stop the run. The problem was they would pass when Thomas was in. lol

OH NO WE SUCK AGAIN!

by colts9318rock on Aug 4, 2009 4:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

a defense of Josh Thomas

Regardless of his speed, and the fact that the opposition passed a considerable amount when he was in, Josh Thomas faught hard and made plays…I remember 4 times in the last 2 years he stuck out his super go go gadget arm and blocked a pass at the line. He had the 4th most QB pressures for us last year (though I do realize we never really blitzed so that for us is just a D-Line stat), and more tackles than Freeney (also realize that his role was situation based). He had a better year in ‘07 that ’08 and I wonder if that was because of playing time. The guy is huge (6’5’’ 271 lbs) and I liked watching him play.

Not saying he should start, just saying I liked watching the man play football for the Colts and wish the best to him.

Lucas Berridge

by Firebird on Aug 4, 2009 5:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

he was a useful role player no doubt

and obviously anyone spelling Freeney is going to look bad in comparison, especially in the speed/quickness department, but I’m excited for Dawson in that role. I think he can do more with it.

You think you notice most everything around you, but in reality you're nearly blind to everything outside of your current focus. Hilarious example.
Another

by shake n bake on Aug 4, 2009 5:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Defensive depth at Front 7

I am excited about the front 7 and really really hope they help lead us to the Superbowl for another win. They seem like a very talented mix of football players (we have Big, we have Smart, we have Athletic, we have Experience, we have Youth). What more could you ask for? I don’t want to spoil the party but they will have to prove themselves. We know what many can do and do do. Freeney, Mathis, and Brackett give us exactly what we expect from them. I’m not saying Brackett will make the H.O.F. but he is smart, a leader, and great in coverages. As for the rest I would love to see others step up and show us they are as elite as these three. Possibly Brock and E. Johnson have given us something decent in the past, as have Hagler and Keiaho, but obviously not enough to question them (obviously bc their have lost their starting spots or lost their privilage of being a colt).

I am excited for the Moala, Johnson’s return, Session and Wheeler’s intensity, the other rookies, and more looks from the veterans, but we NEED them to perform as well as the other front 7 gifts God has given us in Freeney, Mathis, and Brackett.

Sorry to question things but last year was supposed to be great for Hagler and Dungy told us in a preseason interview that Keiaho was going to be the D’s breakout player (yes i know F.K. got banged up) of the year. I believe this year will show a dominating Colts defense under Coyer. I hope in 6 months we have the stats and the rings to show for it.

Lucas Berridge

by Firebird on Aug 4, 2009 5:56 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

correction

end of first paragraph should read “but obviously not enough to NOT question them”

i should preview before i post

Lucas Berridge

by Firebird on Aug 4, 2009 6:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Maybe

Dungy said that while assuming that Meeks was actually going to teach these guys something about playing good defense instead of just standing there and waiting for Dungy to do it.

Coyer takes a more hands on approach and is helping some of the younger guys reach their potential. He has so much experience it is ridiculous.

"I'm looking for Ray Finkle....and a clean pair of shorts."

by AceOfSpades on Aug 4, 2009 9:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs