Patriots Player Profile – Xzavier Dickson, More Potential On the Edge
 Patriots 7th Round draft pick Xzavier Dickson is a potential steal at the bottom of the draft and could be a better pro player than he was in college as an edge rusher.(USA TODAY Images) |
Jack Linebacker an Intriguing Prospect
The Patriots final selection in the 2015 NFL Draft was a very intriguing one, OLB/DE Xzavier Dickson out of Alabama. Dickson played for Bill Belichick’s close friend and associate Nick Saban for the Crimson Tide.
Dickson was the “Jack” linebacker in the Alabama defense. The Jack linebacker is kind of a "jack of all trades" outside LB who can function as both a stand-up OLB and a hand-on-the-ground DE. This player has two main responsibilities- contain the edge in the run game and rush the passer.
Saban uses those strengths to create matchup problems and disrupt opposing offenses with big, quick players that can rush the quarterback, use their reach to cover large spaces when backing up in a zone blitz, and use their quickness and strength to get by running backs staying in to block. The Jack also slides down to play defensive end when Alabama uses a 4-man front.
The New England Patriots (read Belichick) version of the Jack linebacker is called the "Elephant", a role that was played to perfection by Willie McGinest. Dickson, 6’3, 260 is a player that has plenty of ability to play this position and may have only scratched the surface of his potential.
Not Yet the Sum of his Parts: Dickson was looked to every season as a possible impact starter but didn’t truly shine until his senior season after being heavily recruited by every SEC school. He reportedly had issues with the coaches at times and was suspended by Saban for the team’s Orange bowl game against Oklahoma for violation of team rules following the 2013 season.
But everything seemed to fall into place for Dickson in 2014 as he had his best season by far and he got on-board with the program. Playing off the edge, Dickson posted 42 tackles, 12 tackles for loss and nine sacks for the Tide.
Dickson has the prototypical size with a long frame and arms with the broad shoulders that teams look for in players on the edge. Although not a straight line speed demon he has an explosive first step to the outside.
He ran a 4.77 in the 40 and posted a 7.56 in the Three-Cone Drill, (a Patriots favorite), as well as a 29.5 vertical during Alabama’s Pro Day.
He uses his hands effectively and can stay low when turning the corner. He improved his pass rush repertoire in his senior season and mixed in the speed move to the outside with a bull rush. Dickson has good lateral movement to track ball carriers down the line of scrimmage. He’s a physical tackler and packs a good pop.
He’s only average to below average in setting the edge in the running game and that is an area where he can really improve at the next level. He’s inexperienced in coverage and is a bit stiff in trying to turn and run with receivers. He was used mainly in getting after the quarterback.
How Will He Fit With the Patriots: Dickson will probably be called upon to play the OLB position as an edge rusher. He can occasionally slide down to put his hand on the ground as a DE as well…..in other words a perfect Elephant candidate.
With the Patriots trying to amp up the pass rush in 2014, they need depth at the linebacker position. After starters Dont’a Hightower, Jamie Collins and Jerod Mayo there is very little experience. With plenty of players vying for reps, a talented edge rusher that can get after the QB like Dickson could work himself nicely into a sub-package role quite easily.
Defensive ends Chandler Jones and Rob Ninkovich will be augmented by Jabaal Sheard this season. The team also drafted edge rushers Geneo Grissom from Oklahoma and Trey Flowers from Arkansas. With Michael Buchanan and Zach Moore also returning, the pass rush should have plenty of rotation this season.
Dickson needs to add some muscle to his frame and get a little bit stronger, which will help with setting the edge in the running game. He has the size and length for the position and with the agility, flexibility, hand use and leverage to get to the edge, he’s a potential diamond in the rough.
Dickson was a late bloomer down in Alabama, if he truly “gets it” and gets motivated in the weight room and in the film room, he could be a very productive linebacker in the Patriots system. Dickson hasn’t even come close to hitting his ceiling and could be a much better professional player than he was as a collegian.
Because of his getting off the blocks late for Saban and the Tide, Dickson could be a very nice steal for a 7th round draft pick. He has the tools to be an effective, productive player. But the light will have to come on much faster at this level.
Here is a quick run-down on Dickson with some highlight tape by the Bleacher Report's Matt Miller
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