Gervon Dexter Sr. NFL Draft Profile and Scouting Report
Gervon Dexter Scouting Report
DL, Florida Gators #9
2023 NFL Draft Measurements
Gervon Dexter 40 time: 4.88 per SI.com.
6’ 6” / 312 lbs
Gervon Dexter NFL Draft Profile
Gervon Dexter did not sneak up on us. As the 2023 NFL Draft approaches names like Jalen Carter and Bryan Bresee are getting most of the attention along the interior defensive line. However Dexter has been in the conversation with both of them since he was a 5 star recruit himself. In fact, he was actually rated higher than Carter. Both ESPN and 247 had him ranked as a 5 star.
During his senior year at Lake Wales High School in Florida, he had over 100 tackles with 35 for loss and 17 sacks. He would earn an invite to the 2020 Under Armour All-Amercian Game and eventually commit to the Florida Gators after considering offers from other power five schools such as, Alabama and Clemson.
Dexter Sr. Wasted no time as he saw the field in 12 games as a freshman. As a sophmore, he solidified himself as a starter and has not looked back. According to the school’s website he has accounted for 125 career tackles, 9,5 tackles for loss, and 4.5 sacks. Gervon Dexter declared early and unlike many players to day he decided to honor his commitment to his team and school and played in the Las Vegas Bowl against Oregon State.
Strengths
Eats Up Blocks
When watching film on Dexter, it doesn’t take long to see he requires the attention of the opposing offense. Dexter is capable of blowing up a play if allowed, but even when he isnt getting into the backfield he is making offensive lineman work. He is both big enough and strong enough to latch onto a lineman and drive him back and or move him to get in position to make a play.
If you want a DT to play a 2 gap assignment, look no further. Dexter can easily eat up two blockers, making life a lot easier for linebackers to find the ball carrier. I was actually surprised to see how many double teams he draws because he plays next to the monster Desmond Watson who is 6-5 and 415lbs. I figured he would require the extra attention.
Versatile
Gervon Dexter brings versatility to the game. He has played all along the defensive line while at Florida. He has played every gap you could think of and lined up on the left and the right side. I believe he could succeed as both a 4-3 DT and a 3-4 DE. Dexter will be able to fit into either defense, which will make him that much more appealing to teams on draft night.
Play Recognition
While studying Dexter Sr. I was surprised to hear some scouts say they think he lacks in awareness. I don’t think that is an issue at all. The first note I made on him is that he has excellent play recognition ability. Dexter quickly reads play actions and misdirections. However, he lacks some hand to hand skills to take advantage of this. With some coaching and refinement, I believe he will become a true force as a run stopper at the next level.
Atheletic Ability
When you first look at Dexter, you wouldn’t think he weighs 315 lbs. He is a lean 315. He has incredible play strength. I don’t recall seeing him go backwards while watching film at all. That is remarkable because he sees a lot of double teams. He also runs a reported 4.88 40 time. Just imagine that big of a man moving like that.
He has good lateral quickness along the line when engaged. He is able to move side to side to track the ball carrier. Along with his quickness, he has the upper body strength to pull or push the opposing lineman as needed. If he performs at the 2023 NFL Combine the way I think he will, you will start to hear his name even more.
Dexter even made Bruce Feldman’s Freak List. If you don’t know what that is you need to check it out. The guys on this list are certified freakish athletes. Anyone on that list should always be looked at by scouts regardless of productiuon.
Weaknesses
Plays Too Tall
Dexter has incredible athletic abiltiy, yet he stands 6-6. Because of his height, you will find times where he gets his pad level way to high for my liking. When a defensive lineman, especialy a tall one, gets too high he loses leverage and in turn can be directed by the opposing lineman. If Gervon can learn to keep his pads lower we should see more production and plays in the backfield.
Inability to Disengage
Gervon Dexter Sr. really struggles to create space when engaged. Once the blocker is engaged, I don’t see any plan to create a pass rush. Dexter is very unrefined in his pass rush moves. Heck, even his hand to hand combat on run plays needs work. He relies almost solely on the bull rush. Once again, he is still young and this can still be taught by a good coach.
Slow to Read the Snap
This is one thing that really stood out to me. Gervon seems to be very late to react to the snap on the majority of plays. I actually have found myself wondering if he has eye issues and can’t see the snap. I’m not sure about that, but he needs to react quicker. Doing so will drastically improve his overall performance. If he can get off the ball sooner and incororate his quick first step, he could be a disruptive force in the backfield. He should easily double his TFL and sacks.
Gervon Dexter Sr. Draft Stock
Dexter has been one of the top DT prospects his entire life and nothing has changed. NFL Mockdraft Database, a mock draft aggregate, has him ranked 39th overall and has seen him being drafted in the first round in 28% of mock drafts. I agree with this take. Dexter flashes, but has some areas to improve. I don’t usually like the idea of taking a run stuffer in the 1st round, as you can see in my article on Jordan Davis last year.
Dexter has me excited though. I really think he could become a more than adequate pass rusher. With that thought in my head, if he interviews well at the draft I would feel comfortable taking him in the back third of the first round. If he leaves me questioning his motor and abiltiy to grow, he is a mid second rounder at best for me.
Final Thoughts on Gervon Dexter Sr. Scouting Report
Dexter checks all the boxes on the athletic side and he has all the ability to be effective in the NFL. He just hasn’t put it all together yet. That being said, if he does put it all together he could be a game changer along the line. He is one of the harder players I’ve had to scout in some time because he is so impressive yet disappointing at the same time.
Luckily, all the things he needs to improve he can easily change. He has no limitations unless he creates them. Dexter should at his worst be a solid starting DL in the NFL. He is already ready for the physicality of the league. With coaching and refinement, he may become a pro bowl caliber player. If he would stay in Gainsville for one more year and improve, he would probably be a top 15 pick.
Gervon Dexter Sr. Player Comparison
Two players kept creeping into my mind when watching Dexter. They were former Tennessee Vols great John Henderson and Jeffrey Simmons who played his college ball at Mississippi State. I think he and Simmons have a lot in common and he could become that type of player at the next level. The biggest difference I saw was that Simmons was much more capable with his hand fighting technique at this point in his career. This allowed him to be more disruptive as a pass rusher and get more tackles for loss.
Gervon Dexter Sr. Scouting Report-Ken Noble
