Dec 31, 2024; Glendale, AZ, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions offensive lineman Nick Dawkins (53) against the Boise State Broncos during the Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Nick Dawkins — the son of the late Darryl Dawkins — is visiting the Eagles as an NFL Draft prospect Wednesday, according to John Clark of NBC Sports Philadelphia:
I’m told Penn State center Nick Dawkins is visiting the Eagles today
Nick is from Allentown and is the son of former Sixer Darryl Dawkins pic.twitter.com/cyhUzg93Pm
— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) April 15, 2026
Nick is coming off of a five-year run at Penn State. A graduate of Parkland High School — traditionally, the most dominant athletic program in the Lehigh Valley — Nick is listed at 6-foot-4, 312 pounds. He won the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy in 2024, an award that honors "college football’s most impactful leaders in community service," so he seems to be of high character as well.
Of course, his father had a 14-year NBA career, the first seven of which were spent with the Sixers. Across those sevens seasons in Philadelphia, Darryl — who was nicknamed "Chocolate Thunder" by legendary musician Stevie Wonder — averaged 11.2 points and 6.7 rebounds per game, making his name as a powerful dunker:
Darryl — who lived in the Lehigh Valley after his career and gained a reputation as a friendly person you would see out in the community — passed away suddenly in August of 2015 from a heart attack.
Now, more than a decade after his passing, Daryl's son has a chance to be a late-round draft pick, or possible undrafted free agent. Between Nick's local ties and seeming strong character, he would be an interesting addition as offensive line depth under new OL coach Chris Kuper.
