Xzavier Dickson

ESPN Analyst
Updated null

Dickson is a defensive end prospect with the tools to be a tough defender. He has good size and while he does not possess ideal height he does appear to have a thick sturdy frame and size overall does not come across as a concern. He plays some offense lining up at tight end and will give a glimpse of what he is capable of athletically when on that side of the ball. He has good straight-line speed and impressive ball skills for a defensive lineman. He may be limited to a guy who can only run seam routes, but he shows enough flashes to intrigue you as a prospect at that position. Despite his flashes on offense no coach is going to let him stray away from the defensive side of the ball. He gets off the ball well and will give flashes of nice initial quickness though you would like to see some more consistency in his get-off. He is good versus the run. He can be active with his hands and will bring them when engaging a blocker. Displays the upper body strength to get hands on and be able separate and violently shed. Displays the ability to keep good pad level and generate power from his thick lower body. While he is tough at the point of attack he is also good from the backside and someone that offenses will need to account for when they run away from him. He has the speed to be a factor from the backside, but more importantly he shows good football smarts to play it right. He consistently squeezes down and closes daylight. He moves very well laterally and can squeeze and shuffle and be able to maintain contain, but also make plays from behind. He is a solid wrap-up tackler. He plays with a good motor. At this point seems best against the run. He has the initial burst to beat blockers with a quick move, but only gives flashes of that. He can use his weapons to take on blockers and has the power to knock blockers back and out of their cylinder, but does tend attack blockers down the middle. You would like to see him develop his pass rush arsenal, not attack the whole man, and could look to benefit from having a plan as at times he can run himself past the quarterback. Dickson is a good defensive prospect and good overall athlete. He has the ability to be a tough run defender and with some development also a productive pass rusher. Good prospect that needs to keep working to utilize all his tools on a consistent basis. ... for full access to RecruitingNation become an Insider

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