Written By Adam Aniba
This years offensive tackle class is deep with starting talent, that'll likely will be found through round 3. The group features some true building blocks at LT and RT.
Day 3 will also feature a few worthy of development. One particular tackle stands out from the rest, based on his mammoth size and his potential.
Anim Dankwah
6'8" 353 lbs | RT | Howard
Proj 6th Rd-UDFA
Background
Anim Dankwah was born in Ghana and his family moved to Ontario, Canada when he was a young child. Later Dankwah moved to Watertown, CT and attended Taft HS.
The Ghana native had never played American football, only playing basketball and soccer. Dankwah didn't start playing football until his junior year of high school, but his physical nature, size and athleticism appealed to coaches.
Howard University gave Dankwah an opportunity to play as a reserve o-lineman in 2019. As a freshman he participated in 3 games (147 snaps at RT) allowing 4 QB hurries, 3 sacks and zero QB hits.
In 2020 he continued his role as a reserve playing in just 2 games (81 snaps at left guard). Out of necessity he played left guard allowing 1 QB hurry, zero QB hits and no sacks.
During his Junior season in 2021, the Taft high school lineman was thrust into the starting left tackle slot and played admirable. On the season he gave up 4 sacks and 13 QB hurries.
The Howard tackle would be named to the All-MEAC 2nd Team and made the 1st team in '22 (Howard MEAC regular season champions) for his play.
Fast forward to 2023 and Dankwah elected to play as a 5th tear senior. He started a career best 12 games, only giving up 2 sacks, 9 QB hurries and 2 QB hits while starting his 3rd consecutive season at left tackle.
His ability to drive defenders off the ball and toss them to the turf is fun to watch. His 87" wingspan will aid him on the next level.
In saying that, level of competition and overall ability will push Dankwah to right tackle to start his NFL Career. The Bison's tackle is still a work in progress, despite spending 5 seasons at Howard, but has tremendous upside as a blocker.
PROS
Massive tackle with elite reach and wingspan
Effective punch & strong hands which makes difficult for defenders to disengage once in his grasp
Surprisingly light on his feet for a man his size
Mauler mentality seeks out contact
Thrived when utilizing quick/short sets to cut off the outside for pass rushers
CONS
Still a work in progress and still learning counters/hand usage
Can get fooled by spin/swim move
Too often allows defenders into his chest
Needs to work on his overall bend
Can struggle when asked to block in space in the run game
Outlook
The phrase "a work on progress" will continue to be brought up when Dankwah is mentioned. The FCS All-American is the definition of a developmental prospect, but taking a chance on the Howard tackle could pay off.
Tackles with his size and movement ability don't come around every year. One must wonder if Dankwah played for an SEC program like Alabama or LSU , how much more attention he could have received.
Also, 2023 marked only the 7th full season that the Howard tackle participated in organized football and is just scratching the surface of his talent level.
NFL coaching could dramatically change the trajectory for Dankwah. As it stands, it's not out of the question for the tackl to come into the league and contribute as a swing tackle immediately.
*GAMES WATCHED*
10/7/23 vs Northwestern, 11/4 vs SC State, 11/11 NC Central, 11/18 vs Morgan St. & 12/16 vs FL A&M
