Lin Dawson was drafted No. 212 overall by the New England Patriots in the 1981 NFL Draft out of NC State. 105 regular-season games · 5 seasons as a starter · 12 career approximate value
- Overall pick
- #212
- Round
- 8
- Draft class
- 1981
- NFL games
- 105
- Years as starter
- 5
- Career AV
- 1246th at NC State
The pick
How Lin Dawson came off the board in 1981.
- Position
- Tight end TE
- College
-
NC State
ACC at the draft
- Side of the ball
- Offense
NFL career
105 regular-season games · 5 seasons as a starter · 12 career approximate value
- Games played
- 105
- Seasons as a starter
- 5
- Career approximate value
- 1246th among NC State picks
- AV with the drafting club
- 12100% of career value
- Final season
- 19909 years after the draft
Around pick 212
Who came off the board on either side of Lin Dawson.
Colorado College
Oklahoma
Penn State
NC State in the 1981 draft
Teammates who went in the same class.
Other TE picks from NC State
The program's most accomplished players at the same spot.
About this draft profile
Last updated Aug 24, 2026
Lin Dawson in the 1981 NFL Draft
Lin Dawson is a Tight end out of NC State selected No. 212 overall by the New England Patriots in the 1981 NFL Draft. 105 regular-season games · 5 seasons as a starter · 12 career approximate value NC State has produced 117 NFL draft picks since 1980.
Where this data comes from
Pick order and career outcomes come from the nflverse draft archive; position, measurables, and conference at the time of the draft come from the college feed. Career columns stay empty until a player logs regular-season snaps.
Frequently asked questions
Where was Lin Dawson drafted?
Lin Dawson was selected No. 212 overall by the New England Patriots in the 1981 NFL Draft (Rd 8). Full pick detail at https://fantasyhq.co/cfb-hq/draft-history/players/1981/lin-dawson.
What college did Lin Dawson play for?
Lin Dawson played college football at NC State in the ACC. See every NC State draft pick at https://fantasyhq.co/cfb-hq/draft-history/schools/nc-state-wolfpack.
How did Lin Dawson's NFL career turn out?
105 regular-season games · 5 seasons as a starter · 12 career approximate value Career outcome data at https://fantasyhq.co/cfb-hq/draft-history/players/1981/lin-dawson.