Dallas Cowboys Draft Profile – Gervon Dexter Sr., DT

The Dallas Cowboys have the decision to make with Johnathan Hankins. When healthy, Hankins helped the Cowboys’ defense against the run, when he was out they struggled in stretches. Either way, the front office decides to go, a young defensive tackle could be something this team looks for in the first few rounds.

Gervon Dexter Sr, has the athleticism, and while he isn’t perfect, he is good enough to be what the Dallas Cowboys need in his first season.

The roster has a lot of 3T/5T guys but not a lot of block eaters to help keep linebackers clean. Less of a mauler than perhaps some more of the traditional 1T defensive tackles are, Dexter uses athleticism and hands to overcome of the issues. He fits a role as a rotational piece across the inside of the defensive line and can help against the pass there as well.

The Dallas Cowboys need help along the interior of the offensive line, and while Gervon Dexter may not be perfect, he is good, and fills the need.

Dexter shows rare agility for the position of a man of his size. This allows him to explode with his first step and get into an offensive lineman quicker than they expect. This speed and motor show up when working down the line or chasing a quarterback in the backfield. He has shown some anchor in one-on-one blocking situations. Putting the package together is still a work in progress, but he has the pass-rush chops and athleticism to think he hasn’t reached his ceiling.

For all the athleticism Dexter displays, his consistency is probably his biggest issue. Sometimes he will fire late off the snap which puts him at a disadvantage to get into an offensive lineman quickly. Because he uses a higher pad level, this type of miscue lets the lineman overpower and push Dexter off his line. He needs to learn to use his power better if he can’t use his speed he can disappear in a rep.

Dexter has all the makings to be a steal of the draft in the third or fourth round, but the question will be if he can put it all together. He will need to work on his consistency and anchor to really be a more full-time 1T, and may need to work on his overall power to be a consistent 3T. He has all the makings and the flashes are really fun to watch. He would easily find a role in a defense, but how large will be up to him.