2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Gervon Dexter Sr. (DL – Florida)

As the NFL season winds down, FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL draft scouting reports before the combine in March. Here’s a look at Gervon Dexter.

Check out all of our 2023 NFL Draft Scouting Reports & Prospect Profiles

Gervon Dexter Sr. (DL – Florida)

6’6” – 312 lbs.

Background:

Florida native and five-star recruit who started two of twelve games as a freshman, playing 254 snaps in total and finishing with a line of 20-2.0-0.5. Saw his role expand the following year, starting all but four games and playing 481 snaps in total, going 51-4.5-2.5 and being credited with 27 offensive snaps by PFF, typically at the left tackle spot. Played left end in odd fronts, often in the B-gap, this past season, totaling 681 snaps and recording 55-4.0-2.0.

Positives:

One of the younger prospects in the class, but already looks the part of a pro defensive lineman, with excellent size that he carries well and plenty of functional strength. Moved around regularly during games, playing different techniques at both tackle spots; would possibly be best as a one-technique given his strength and height. Brings a solid level of intensity on a snap-to-snap basis. For a tall player, comes out of his stance low and does a good job of protecting his lower body. Was typically asked to two-gap and be counted to hold the point. Drops an early anchor, generally gets good extension with his arms, and can control blocks and scrape toward the play direction. Disciplined defender whose shoulders are square to the line on almost every snap. Keeps his head up and is able to consistently locate the ball carrier. Likes to hit and has thudding power to set the tone defensively. Power-based rush approach with good leg drive and the lower-body strength to walk back interior linemen and constrain the room quarterbacks have to work with. Regularly overpowers opponents in a phone booth when rushing the passer; a physical mismatch against many centers.

Negatives:

Would have liked to see him playing some five-technique during the games reviewed; Florida almost always used a four-man line. May be too tall for some teams that line up their nose as a zero-technique. Lacks explosiveness to threaten gaps; doesn’t have much production behind the line of scrimmage. Better at anchoring and finding the ball carrier than he is at shedding blockers; needs to improve his hand technique. Misses some opportunities because he can’t disengage quickly enough. Limited number of tackles made while engaged. Occasionally lapses into leading with his shoulder instead of using his length. Rush approach is limited; has been able to rely almost exclusively on his bull rush and needs to develop additional moves/counters. Doesn’t have the closing burst to consistently finish his rushes. Gives effort in pursuit, but overall range is limited.

Summary:

An outstanding physical specimen who has all the size and power in the world, traits which allow him to hold the point of attack in the run game and collapse the pocket with his bull rush. Plays with surprising discipline for a younger player, although he still needs to improve his hand usage and develop a more diverse rush approach, as doing so would allow him to be a more consistent playmaker. May not be a fit for all schemes, but has prototypical two-gap nose tackle traits.

Projection: Round 1-2