Every team in the NFL is looking for versatile offensive linemen. Here is yet another one in the 2021 class. Landon Dickerson has played all five positions on the offensive line during his five years in college at Florida State and Alabama. He is an intriguing prospect that will range all across mock drafts due to Dickerson’s lengthy injury history.
Make sure to check out all of our other 2021 NFL Draft Scouting Reports.
Player Bio
Name: Landon Dickerson
Jersey: #69
Position: Interior Offensive Line
School: Alabama
Class: Redshirt Senior
Height: 6’6″
Weight: 326 lbs
Pass Blocking (8.5/10)
Dickerson has spent time protecting both Tua Tagovailoa and Mac Jones. He is a sturdy man in the middle of the offensive line that is comparable to a brick wall at the line of scrimmage. Dickerson has no issues with picking up extra blitzes in the passing game and always keeps his head on a swivel looking for the next defender to throw into the ground.
Run Blocking (8.75/10)
Speaking of throwing people to the ground, that is what Dickerson does on just about every snap. He primarily wins with his power in this regard due to his above-average height on the interior of the offensive line. Dickerson was able to pave lanes for Najee Harris and any of the other Alabama running backs during his time for the Crimson Tide.
Athleticism (7/10)
Dickerson is a bit limited in this regard, but it isn’t anything to worry about on the interior as much as it would be if he played tackle. He can move up to the second level fairly easily, but linebackers will evade him due to his limited athleticism. Dickerson can be used on some screens as a lead blocker or on some power runs where he can plow through any defender in his path.
Balance (6.5/10)
Dickerson can get knocked off balance sometimes right off the line of scrimmage due to his pad height and being driven back by the defensive lineman. He isn’t going to be able to reach to get defenders that aren’t directly in his path.
Strength (9/10)
Dickerson has explosive legs. He will explode through the defensive lineman right from the snap of the ball. Not many can get past Dickerson when he has his base solidified and his hands on any defender.
Hands (9/10)
Speaking of hands, Dickerson explodes through the defender at the line of scrimmage. When he gets his hands on a defender and gains control, it’s over. Dickerson will do as he pleases with any defensive lineman, edge rusher, or linebacker in his grasp.
Versatility (9/10)
As pointed out in the introductory paragraph, Dickerson has started at all five spots along the offensive line in his career. He was primarily an interior lineman for the Crimson Tide and projects as either a center or guard at the next level. If he was allowed to play tackle, Dickerson would succeed, but his limited athleticism could get him into some trouble.
Football IQ (9/10)
Dickerson was tasked with diagnosing protections and communicating with the other offensive linemen at the premier school in NCAA. He always seems to know what is coming and doesn’t ever seem to be panicked or out of control. It also helps that he has played all five positions and in multiple offensive schemes.
Power (9.25/10)
Once Dickerson gets out from his stance, he is almost impossible to contain or get around as a defender. There are plenty of reps where Dickerson throws the defender to the ground and still will put a finishing touch on the play by making sure they have no shot at making a tackle by ensuring they don’t get back up. When Dickerson is a lead blocker on screens or outside runs, it doesn’t end well for the defenders in his path.
Competitive Toughness (5/5)
Dickerson is always on the look for someone to hit and will ensure that he does so at some point on every snap. He will plow defenders into the turf. In the Missouri game, when Jones threw an interception, it was Dickerson that made the tackle by tossing him like a ragdoll to the ground. To make this trait even better, Dickerson took a snap with torn ligaments in his knee to wrap up his collegiate career in the National Championship game.
Injury (1.75/5)
Dickerson’s injury history is very concerning. He has had a torn right ACL (2016), ankle surgery (2018), an ankle injury (2018), and ligament damage to his left knee (2020). If it weren’t for these injury concerns, Dickerson could very well be a first-round pick.
Player Summary
Dickerson is another offensive lineman in a long line of them that have successfully translated to the NFL. If it weren’t for his lengthy injury report, Dickerson could very well be in the first-round conversation. His tape speaks for itself, and any team looking for help on the interior of their offensive line should look at adding him in the second round of the draft.
Final Grade (82.75/100): Late Second Round
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