Howard offensive tackle Anim Dankwah is among the most fascinating prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft. Dankwah possesses dreamlike measurables for the next level, clocking in at 6-foot-8 and 353 pounds with arms longer than 35 inches and an 85.5-inch wingspan. Dankwah possesses rare size, mass, and length.
Dankwah recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network about why size gives him an advantage, his best scheme fits, his favorite play to run in the playbook, which NFL teams are showing interest in his services, and more.
JM: You grew up in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. How did you fall in love with football from Canada?
Anim Dankwah: Football was a very late addition to my life. I didn’t start playing football until I was almost finished high school. Once I discovered the sport, it quickly became something I loved doing.
I love the camaraderie that comes with it. You have to work as a team toward one common goal, especially on the offensive line. It helped me make new friends. I found comfort in playing football.
I started playing it more and more because I had the size. I’ve enjoyed playing football ever since I started.
JM: Your father immigrated to Canada from Ghana. What did his sacrifices teach you about hard work?
Anim Dankwah: Growing up, my dad didn’t have to do a lot of talking. I paid close attention to what he went through to support us. That was all the motivation I needed. I had a front-row seat to his hard work and determination.
He’s a huge inspiration in my life. It inspired me to want to achieve great things in my own life.
JM: You’re on the cusp of doing just that. Football isn’t a sport commonly played in your dad's home country of Ghana. I imagine it was initially pretty foreign to your dad. Was he initially on board with you playing football?
Anim Dankwah: Yeah, he actually was because he was a huge supporter of me playing sports in general. He wanted me to play whatever I was drawn to. He thought that playing sports was something that would keep me busy and out of trouble. He was a huge supporter of that.
He wanted me to have something to do. Being a young guy, you could easily fall into the wrong crowd. It wasn’t so much that he pushed me to play football. It was more that he supported me playing any sports that interested me. He wanted me to get outside as opposed to playing video games.
JM: He sounds like an amazing father. I want to talk about your measurements. You clocked in at 6-foot-8 and 353 pounds with nearly 36-inch arms and an 85.5-inch wingspan. The length is especially eye-opening. How do you use that length to your advantage?
Anim Dankwah: I love to prepare for my opponents by watching the film. I have all of the physical tools, but I have to make sure I’m mentally prepared as well. I never want to rely on just length and athleticism.
Scouting the film helps me know when to use length to my advantage, or when to use my strength.
JM: I love that approach. What's your favorite play to run in the playbook?
Anim Dankwah: It was a bit of a running joke with our team. I’m a fan of any play that scores touchdowns (laughs). I’m all about doing whatever it takes to move the ball forward. I love to run the ball, but I also love explosive plays in the passing game to be honest with you. I don’t have one particular play that I enjoy. I just love scoring touchdowns.
JM: Interesting. I’ve asked a ton of offensive linemen that question, and it’s always a running play. It sounds like you love explosive plays in the passing game.
Anim Dankwah: It’s all about those explosive plays, man (laughs). Whether it’s the run game or the pass game, I want to move the ball forward and score points. Regardless, it’s all about production at the end of the day.
JM: You’re absolutely right about that. Do you see yourself playing in a gap/power scheme, or are you a better fit for a zone-blocking system that gets you out in space?
Anim Dankwah: I feel like I can do both. If I had to pick one, I’d probably lean towards that gap/power scheme. I love contact. I’m confident in my abilities to execute both of those systems though. If I had to pick one, it would be a power scheme.
JM: You’re versatile that way. With the NFL Combine now in our rearview mirror, do you have any upcoming Top 30 visits?
Anim Dankwah: I’ve had in-person meetings with the Cowboys, Jets, Ravens, and Commanders. I met the Cowboys on campus. They traveled down here to see me. I had dinner with the Commanders. I was at the Ravens local day. I had a recent Zoom interview with the Colts as well.
JM: There’s a lot of interest in you and it’s easy to see why. We've appreciated your time today. What kind of impact is Anim Dankwah going to make at the next level?
Anim Dankwah: I’m excited to get my foot in the door. I can’t wait to make a huge impact by being a good player and even better teammate. I’m eager to learn more about life in the NFL. I’m going to keep getting better. I’m super excited.
