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2021 NFL Draft: Landon Dickerson Player Profile

In the NFL draft, it takes a certain type of individual like Alabama's Landon Dickerson to really stand out as a center prospect.

Landon Dickerson NFL Draft Overview

Position: Offensive Tackle

Height: 6’5”

Weight: 333 pounds

School: Alabama Crimson Tide

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Landon Dickerson 2021 NFL Draft Profile

Overview

In the NFL, it takes a certain type of individual like Alabama’s Landon Dickerson to handle the rigor of being a center. Not only must they snap the ball, but they must have a strong command to neutralize the immediate threat of a defender coming at them with full speed. Dickerson has those intangibles that make him a valuable commodity despite an injury in the SEC Championship game. Dickerson played in the Southeastern Conference under the tutelage of Nick Saban.

Before taking control at Alabama, Dickerson was a high school standout that started his career in Tallahassee at Florida State. Over the past two seasons, Dickerson was a fixture on an offensive line that produced quality players in both the running and passing games. However, in the SEC Championship this past season, Dickerson suffered a knee injury. Though he did not play in the college football playoffs, he did record one memorable snap against Ohio State in the national championship to close his career as a champion. Dickerson was named a unanimous All-American in the 2020 season and won the Rimington Trophy for the nation’s best center.

Strengths

Excellent in pass blocking;
Jumps off the line of scrimmage quickly;
Excellent in run blocking;
Quick feet;
Fluid in movement;
Very strong at opening up lanes.

Weaknesses

Heavy footing at times;
Needs to control space;
Lacks the ability to pull;
Strictly a center;
Lacks some athleticism.

NFL Comparison: Ryan Jensen

Teams With Need at Position: Chicago Bears, Dallas Cowboys, Jacksonville Jaguars, Los Angeles Chargers, New England Patriots, New York Jets, San Francisco 49ers, Washington Football Team, Pittsburgh Steelers

Projection: Mid-second round to early-third round

Bottom Line on Landon Dickerson

Landon Dickerson has the credentials and the resume to back up his draft status. Additionally, given how the medicine to treat knee injuries has gotten better, Dickerson will likely be on the field quicker than previously thought. Moreover, he has played in a pro-style offense in college, which will help transition his skills to the professional level. Lastly, he is the right mix of fun and fierce, as he has a commanding trait that can help him earn the respect of his teammates quickly.

Dickerson isn’t the perfect prospect and has some issues that can be straightened, provided he lands in the right system. Heavy footwork may work in college. But given how the NFL is getting faster on defense, he may have to rely greatly on his agility. Dickerson can play guard, but his natural position as a center is what teams will be looking at when they draft him. Additionally, his quickness, while effective in college, will need to be tweaked upon arriving in the NFL. Still, his flaws are overshadowed by his positives, which makes him all the worth drafting, and he could very well be a plug-and-play starter on day one if his craft continues to improve.

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