Sunday, January 22, 2023

2023 NFL Draft Prospect DT Gervon Dexter

DT Gervon Dexter:

Scouting Reports:









Articles:

2023 NFL Draft Week Rumors Friday (Two defensive tackles who had a late rise in the pre-draft meetings were Florida's Gervon Dexter and Wisconsin's Keeanu Benton. Coaches from around the NFL liked the fits that they presented for schemes, with Dexter being a run stuffer possessing athletic upside and Benton having some interior pass-rush potential. The 2023 NFL Draft is not strong at the defensive tackle position, but there are a number of teams that need interior defensive line help. It sounds like both Dexter and Benton could go in the second round tonight.) (4-28-23): https://walterfootball.com/nflhotpress/article/2023-NFL-Draft-Week-Rumors-Friday

2023 NFL Draft Week Rumors Wednesday (Some large defensive linemen who could interest Buffalo in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft could include Michigan's Mazi Smith and Clemson's Bryan Bresee. Sources say that Pittsburgh's Calijah Kancey is not a fit because he is too similar to Ed Oliver as an undersized fast defender.  If the Bills were to take an offensive lineman on Thursday night, they could look to the defensive line on Day 2. Smith might slide, and other options for Buffalo could include Florida defensive tackle Gervon Dexter and Baylor's Siaki Ika.) (4-26-23):  https://walterfootball.com/nflhotpress/article/2023-NFL-Draft-Week-Rumors-Wednesday

11 potential steals in 2023 NFL Draft include Stetson Bennett, Zach Charbonnet (Defensive tackle: Gervon Dexter, Florida - Dexter has been a productive run defender at Florida. He put together back-to-back seasons with at least 50 tackles and he also generated two sacks in each of those campaigns. Rushing the passer isn't necessarily his strong suit, but his 1.7-second 10-yard split demonstrates that he has potential in that area.  Dexter's best skill is his size (6-6, 310 pounds) and athletic ability. He ran the 40-yard dash at the 2023 NFL Combine in 4.88 seconds and has a Relative Athletic Score of 9.52. With the right coaching, he could be a threatening three-down player at defensive tackle. And either way, he should be a good run-stopping force in a defensive line rotation.) (4-25-23):  https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-draft-sleepers-steals-2023/i9ymauhscp1hx0shztd9x4ov

2023 NFL Draft: What Does the Defensive Tackle Class Look Like Behind Jalen Carter? (Defensive Tackle Notable Mentions - There are defensive tackles throughout the draft that could become plug-and-play starters from Day 1. However, the drop-off from the top to the second tier could push some to be taken earlier than expected.  After Carter and Kancey, a few names to monitor would be Northwestern’s Adetomiwa Adebawore, Clemson’s Bryan Bresee, Baylor’s Siaki Ika, and Michigan’s Mazi Smith.  Once those names are off the board, look for players like Keeanu Benton from Wisconsin and Gervon Dexter out of Florida to be players a team could take a chance on in Rounds 3 and 4 who could develop into plus starters.) (4-21-23):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/defensive-tackle-class-jalen-carter-2023/

Top 10 DTs in the 2023 NFL Draft: Jalen Carter Stands Tall on the Interior (10. Gervon Dexter, Florida:  Where Gervon Dexter ranks in the top 10 of defensive tackles will fluctuate from board to board, but most are in agreement that the 21-year-old belongs in that range. Dexter’s college career left some wanting more, both in terms of production and refinement, but the upside is there.  Dexter has some of the best natural strength among 3-tech prospects in this class, and his linear burst at around 6’6″, 310 pounds is extremely appealing. His proportional length isn’t great, but Dexter’s high-energy style and plus tools combine to form an intriguing framework.) (4-18-23): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/top-10-defensive-tackles-in-the-2023-nfl-draft-include-bryan-bresee-and-jalen-carter/

The 2023 All-Juice Team: Terez Paylor's legacy lives on with NFL Draft prospects he'd have loved (DT Gervon Dexter:  Dexter is a powerhouse athlete who needs refinement when it comes to being a productive professional, but there aren’t many players who can match his talent. When Dexter finds himself pass rushing with room to maneuver on the interior, he can be way too fast for most college offensive linemen to keep up with. His production at Florida wasn’t overwhelming, but he has the tools to develop into a disruptive, one-gap penetrator with the right team.) (4-19-23):  https://sports.yahoo.com/the-2023-all-juice-team-terez-paylors-legacy-lives-on-with-nfl-draft-prospects-hed-have-loved-140030559.html

A look at the former five-star recruits in the 2023 NFL Draft: Bryce Young, Jalen Carter and Will Anderson Jr. top the list (111. DI GERVON DEXTER SR., FLORIDA GATORS (Recruiting ranking: No. 7 overall in class of 2020):  Dexter saw a healthy 254 snaps as a backup during his true freshman season before taking over as a starter in 2021. He had arguably his best season as a sophomore. That year, his 12 combined sacks/hits were third among SEC interior defensive linemen while his 13.5% pass-rush win rate and 10.6% pressure rate were fifth. While he slightly improved as a run-defender in his junior year, his pass-rushing grade fell over 20 points to a 55.2 mark.) (4-19-23):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2023-nfl-draft-former-five-star-recruits-bryce-young-jalen-carter-will-anderson-jr

2023 NFL Draft: The top 8 interior defensive linemen (8. Gervon Dexter Sr., Florida (Height: 6′ 5¾” (94th percentile), Weight: 310 (65th), 40-Yard Dash: 4.88 (91st), 10-Yard Split: 1.81 (20th), Bench Press: 22 reps (15th), Vertical Jump: 31″ (72nd), Broad Jump: 110″ (76th), 3-Cone Drill: 7.5 (68th), Arm Length: 32¼” (19th), Hand Size: 9½” (23rd)) - Bio: Dexter was a star at Lake Wales Senior High in Lake Wales, Florida, and was invited to play in the 2020 Under Armour All-America Game before his time with the Gators began. He also played varsity basketball in high school, and qualified for the 2019 FHSAA Class 2A State Track & Field Championships in the discus throw. Over three seasons at Florida, Dexter amassed six sacks, 12 quarterback hits, 35 quarterback hurries, 79 tackles, and 61 stops. He had 959 snaps in the B-gaps, 227 over the tackles, 205 in the A-gaps, and 20 outside the tackles.  Stat to Know: 15 of Dexter’s 25 quarterback pressures last season came on plays in which the opposing quarterback had three or more seconds to get rid of the ball. He does not give up on these types of plays.  Strengths: When Dexter is on time and on line from the snap, he brings a pretty ferocious combination of speed and power to just blast through blockers. He can absolutely forklift guys right off their feet when he’s aided by suddenness of movement.  Dexter’s splash plays as a pass-rusher and against the run will have NFL shot-callers mitigating his developmental status. When you can carry the center to the running back for a tackle for loss, as he did against LSU here, people are going to get excited about it.  Weaknesses: Dexter’s most obvious negative issue — a tendency to go slow off the snap — shows up all too often, and it’s a problem. You simply can’t allow opposing blockers to get in their set and on the move before you’ve moved a muscle. If you’re working this late against Jason Kelce or Joel Bitonio, your NFL coaches will start to sub you out.  Dexter also needs a lot of development with his techniques. You just don’t see him working with his hands and upper body enough to displace blockers, allowing him to use that estimable athleticism to get after the ball. And at his height, he must be consistent with his leverage to avoid further washouts.  Conclusion: Boom-and-bust prospects are always frustrating — you have to manage the negative effects of the busts, while considering how highly a player can go if you max out the boom. Gervon Dexter Sr. has moments on tape where he looks like a first-round prospect, but there are too many times when he just disappears for a player of his physical profile. He’s a young player, and there’s a lot of work ahead of him, but teams shouldn’t automatically assume he can’t get to a phase where his gifts are exhibited in the most effective ways possible.  NFL Comparison: Javon Kinlaw. The 49ers selected Kinlaw with the 14th overall pick in the 2020 draft, despite the fact that his tape was inconsistent. One of the reasons for that was Kinlaw’s tendency to work slowly off the snap. This tended to soften the effect of the plays in which he looked like a superhero, as did his relatively rudimentary technique. Dexter’s physical upside is top-tier, and he could be coached into something special at the NFL level. But it won’t be an overnight thing.) (4-7-23):  https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/lists/2023-nfl-draft-defensive-tackles-jalen-carter-calijah-kancey/

2023 NFL Draft Stock - Pro Days II (Down - Gervon Dexter, DT, Florida:  The 2023 NFL Draft is not strong at the defensive tackle position, so Dexter had a good opportunity to be a riser, but he has not impressed enough in postseason workouts. Dexter has a good skill set, but his senior tape was not as good as his 2021 performance. In my 2023 NFL Mock Draft I still have Dexter going on the second day, but the chances of him sliding to the third day have increased.) (4-4-23):  https://walterfootball.com/draft2023stock_29.php,

Lions 2023 draft: A defensive tackle for every round (5th round: Gervon Dexter, Florida - Dexter commands attention with his powerful 6-foot-6, 310-pound frame that doesn’t carry much excess. At Florida, he used his impressive strength and good lateral movement skills to become a solid run defender. He needs to learn to sink his weight and not expose his chest to blockers so readily. That would help Dexter more consistently get into the backfield when he uses a really nice swim move that he sets up well. Dexter is adept at finishing play when he gets to the point of attack.) (4-2-23):  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/lists/lions-2023-draft-a-defensive-tackle-for-every-round/

Pro Day News and Rumors: Anthony Richardson to Seattle? Plus, Justin Shorter and O’Cyrus Torrence Show Off at Florida Pro Day (Defensive tackle Gervon Dexter looked terrific, even at 318 pounds which was ten heavier than his Combine weight. He looked agile and fluid during drills, and the increased weight had no effect. Dexter is reportedly at 15% body fat at his present weight.  I was told trainers had him doing a lot of cardio just before the Combine, and Dexter dropped a bunch of weight. The big defensive tackle has official 30 visits with the Philadelphia Eagles, Buffalo Bills, and Baltimore Ravens.) (3-30-23):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/pro-day-news-and-rumors-anthony-richardson-to-seattle-plus-justin-shorter-and-ocyrus-torrence-show-off-at-florida-pro-day/

2023 NFL Draft DT prospect rankings: Jalen Carter leads a gifted group (6. Gervon Dexter, Sr., Florida, 6-6, 310, Junior - Overview: A dominating prep at nearby Lake Wales, Dexter earned consensus five-star marks from recruiters after recording 103 tackles, 35 tackles for loss, 18 sacks and seven forced fumbles in his senior season prior to joining the Gators. The scariest thing is that was just the second year Dexter played high school football, after previously starring on the basketball court and on the track as a discus thrower (where he qualified for state as a freshman). Dexter signed as the obvious crown jewel of Florida's recruiting class that year, but some preached patience given his relative inexperience. Instead, Dexter immediately took a starring role in the team's season-opener, collecting a tackle for loss and an interception (Florida's first turnover of the year) against Ole Miss.  Dexter ultimately played in all 12 games as a freshman, starting twice and recording 19 tackles, including 1.5 for loss. His numbers jumped significantly as a sophomore, with Dexter collecting 50 tackles (4.5 for loss, 2.5 sacks), including a spectacular nine-tackle (eight solo) performance against Central Florida in the Gasparilla Bowl to cap the season, starting nine contests and playing in all 13. Dexter started all 13 games for the Gators in 2022, recording a career-high 55 stops, as well as four more tackles for loss, two sacks and an interception (off of a tip) of Kentucky's Will Levis.   Strength: Given the expected growth as he learns the subtleties of the game, Dexter's general upside warrants listing here, but his greatest strength at this point is just that — the raw power he generates. Dexter towers over opponents and can overwhelm them with his length and leg drive as a bull rusher, locking on and forcing would-be blockers to steadily recede deep into the pocket. Similarly, when teams try to run the ball near him, he can set a firm anchor and rip himself free to corral ballcarriers.  While his game is currently about power, Dexter showed off his athleticism at the Combine, clocking a 4.88-second 40-yard dash — making him the fastest defender over 300 pounds tested this year in Indianapolis. He has an imposing, athletic build with broad shoulders, thick limbs and a tapered middle — a moldable frame often more associated with an offensive tackle or even a massive tight end. Dexter isn't just talented; he's committed, earning public praise by the Florida coaches for his commitment to improving his game.  Concerns: Consistently the last one off the snap and is left in recovery phase, as a result, scrambling to reposition and locate the ball. He lacks much wiggle as a pass rusher, resorting to simple bull rushes much of the time. While Dexter's great size makes him imposing, like a lot of tall defensive tackles, he can struggle with pad level and get pushed back. Similarly, his large frame gives blockers a huge target, something double-teamers can exploit.  Bottom Line: Though he's currently pretty raw, Dexter offers a tantalizing combination of pro-ready power and untapped potential that I think makes him one of the real wild cards of this draft class. I could see a club falling in love with his tools so much, in fact, that a first-round gamble isn't out of the question. I see a future NFL starter, but one who likely needs a year to acclimate and does have some bust potential given his slow starts. Grade: Second-to-third round) (3-28-23):  https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/2023-nfl-draft-dt-prospect-rankings-jalen-carter-leads-a-gifted-group

How every five-star recruit in the 2020 class has graded so far in their college football career (7. DI GERVON DEXTER SR., FLORIDA GATORS (Career Grade: 68.0 (1,417 snaps)):  Dexter saw a healthy 254 snaps as a backup during his true freshman season before taking over as a starter in 2021. He had arguably his best season as a sophomore, when his 12 combined sacks/hits were third among SEC interior defensive linemen while his 13.5% pass-rush win rate and 10.6% pressure rate ranked fifth. While he slightly improved as a run defender in his junior year, his pass-rushing grade fell over 20 points to a 55.2 mark. He’s a fourth-round prospect on PFF’s big board.) (3-24-23):  https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-how-every-five-star-recruit-in-the-2020-class-has-graded-so-far-in-their-college-football-career

Ranking the top DTs in this year’s class (Tier 4 — Late Day 2/Early Day 3 - Gervon Dexter Sr. (Florida), 6-foot-6, 310 pounds:  At the combine, Dexter Sr. performed extremely well in all areas, which makes this one of the most interesting case studies I’ve found because he is often very slow off the snap, so I don’t know if his burst is going to be a true strength of his. The production simply wasn’t there in college, but if some team can come in and fix his snap timing, Dexter Sr. has great physical tools to work with.  How he fits: Elite burst and quickness, so many will consider him a 3-tech. Might be better suited as a nose if he can’t figure out how to time the snap better.  Round grade: Fourth round) (3-23-23): https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2023/3/23/23639576/2023-nfl-draft-ranking-the-top-dts-in-this-years-class

Every top-10 interior defender's highest-graded season (GERVON DEXTER SR., FLORIDA (Big board rank: 118/DI10, Best PFF grade: 72.3, 2021, 2021 Pass-rush grade: 75.8, 2021 Run-defense grade: 67.6)) (3-10-23):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2023-nfl-draft-every-top-10-interior-defenders-highest-graded-season

2023 NFL Combine Risers: Byron Young, Owen Pappoe, and Lukas Van Ness Perform Well (Gervon Dexter, DT | Florida:  At 6’6″ and 310 pounds, Gervon Dexter is an impressive-looking specimen. During testing and drills, he looked like an athletic specimen. Dexter timed the 40 in 4.88 seconds with a 1.81-second 10-yard split — both terrific marks. During the positional drills, he looked fluid moving around the field, easily changed direction, and showed excellent bend during the hoop drill. His footwork during bag drills was also outstanding. A vertical jump of 31″ finished the day. If there were one criticism to be levied, it would be Dexter’s pad/shoulder level was a bit high, and he gets his frame upright, which will hurt him at the next level.) (3-3-23): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/nfl-combine-risers-2023-dl-lb-young-pappoe-van-ness/

NFL Combine results: 7 standouts from the defensive tackle group (Gervon Dexter, Florida (6-foot-5 1/2, 310) had a Combien reflective of his career at Florida, flashes of appealing traits followed but rough patches that left you wanting more.) (3-2-23):  https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2023/3/2/23622404/2023-nfl-combine-results-7-standouts-defensive-tackle-group

NFL Combine results: 7 standouts from the defensive tackle group (Gervon Dexter, Florida (6-foot-5 1/2, 310) had a Combien reflective of his career at Florida, flashes of appealing traits followed but rough patches that left you wanting more.) (3-2-23):  https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2023/3/2/23622404/2023-nfl-combine-results-7-standouts-defensive-tackle-group

All-22 from the scouting combine: Defensive linemen detail their favorite plays (Gervon Dexter, DI, Florida:  “Just one play? It would be hard to choose just one play, but if you turn on the Alabama tape, you’ll see a bunch of those plays I would turn on. I had a goal-line stand — that would be the one.”  The goal-line stand came with 10:50 left in the fourth quarter of Florida’s 31-29 loss to the Crimson Tide in Week 3 of the 2021 season. Alabama had the ball on the Florida two-yard line, and Dexter (No. 9) shot through to prevent running back Brian Robinson Jr. from getting into the end zone.) (3-1-23):  https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/lists/2023-nfl-draft-bryan-bresee-keeanu-benton-gervon-dexter/

2023 NFL Combine preview: 10 defensive tackles the Lions should be watching (Gervon Dexter, 3T, Florida, 6-foot-6, 315:  More of a traits player right now, Dexter didn’t have huge production numbers at Florida, but his power and ability to leverage offensive linemen are impressive. His penetration skills need work, but his ability to stack and shed makes him a player that can stay on the field in 3- and 4-man fronts.) (2-25-23):  https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2023/2/25/23613277/2023-nfl-combine-preview-10-defensive-tackles-the-lions-should-be-watching

2023 NFL Draft Position Rankings: Interior defensive line (10. GERVON DEXTER SR., FLORIDA - BIG BOARD RANK: 108) (2-22-23):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2023-nfl-draft-position-rankings-interior-defensive-line

2023 NFL Draft Stock - Post-New Year's Day Bowls (Down - Gervon Dexter, DT, Florida:  At the start of the 2022 season and in the early going, Dexter looked like he had first-round potential thanks to an excellent skill set with size, speed and athleticism. Dexter, however, underachieved in 2022 and did not play up to his physical talent. He also did not show enough improvement as a pass rusher. As a result, teams are looking at Dexter as a second-day or mid-round pick who has real boom-or-bust potential.) (1-10-23):   https://walterfootball.com/draft2023stock_19.php

Top 10 DTs in the 2023 NFL Draft: Jalen Carter Stands Tall on the Interior (5. Gervon Dexter, Florida:  On one hand, it would’ve been ideal to see more production from Gervon Dexter ahead of his declaration. But he’s one such defensive tackle prospect where the tape reigns supreme over sack and TFL numbers. He can still seek more consistency, but he’s an early-round talent.  A former five-star recruit, Dexter has an incredibly long, compact frame at 6’6″, 313 pounds. He looks lean for that size, but he has quantifiably elite play strength. He can forklift blockers in both phases, and he has the explosive athleticism to capitalize in the backfield.) (12-21-22):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/top-10-defensive-tackles-in-the-2023-nfl-draft-include-bryan-bresee-and-jalen-carter/

NFL Draft: Top prospects to watch in early bowl games (Gervon Dexter, DT, Jr., Florida:  Head coach Billy Napier may need an advanced copy of the program just to field a team with three of his program’s biggest stars — quarterback Anthony Richardson, guard O’Cyrus Torrence and receiver Justin Shorter — opting out to prepare for the NFL draft. Dexter is heading to the NFL, as well, but recently said competing in the Las Vegas Bowl against Oregon State was "never a question."   Another thing that appears unquestionable — at least on paper — is Dexter’s consistency, as his 2021 (50 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks) and 2022 statistics (50-4-2) are nearly identical. Listed at 6-foot-6 and 303 pounds, Dexter is a massive man capable of wreaking havoc along the line of scrimmage, but he is more of a pillar of granite than a penetrator. Dexter is often a step late off the ball and lacks the slipperiness to ever be much of a true pass-rush threat. He is very difficult to move, however, sprouting roots with his powerful lower half and tossing would-be blockers aside when running backs or quarterbacks get near, projecting nicely to a two-gap scheme as a nose guard or defensive end.) (12-15-22):  https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-football/nfl-draft-top-prospects-to-watch-early-college-football-bowl-games

Gervon Dexter Is a Pillar of Progress for Gators in 2022 (12-11-22):   https://www.si.com/college/florida/football/florida-gators-football-gervon-dexter-pillar-of-progress-2022

Looking Into Gators QB Richardson, DL Dexter, OL Torrence's NFL Draft Stock (Dexter is handling his draft buzz similarly. A former consensus five-star prospect with ideal size (6-foot-6, 312 pounds), strength (425-pound bench, 655-pound squat) and athleticism (a 4.88-second 40-yard dash posted in high school), Dexter is built like the prototype versatile lineman that dominates the pros in the modern era. He, too, has garnered first-round hype dating back to the offseason.  He hasn't reached the levels of production many expected for a prospect of his caliber, but that reality wouldn't necessarily prevent NFL teams from coveting his talent.  Dexter has played the 19th-most snaps among defensive linemen in the FBS this year with 528, in part out of necessity due to Florida's inexperienced depth up front, and would likely rank in the top ten if South Carolina's turnover-prone offense didn't cut his snaps to a single-game season-low of 30 on Saturday.  And while his box score stats aren't incredible — 42 tackles, two sacks, three tackles for loss, an interception and two passes defended — he's certainly making a strong impact. Dexter has produced 22 run stops and 20 quarterback pressures, tied for 19th and 45th most in the FBS among the 631 and 680 defensive linemen who have posted a stat in those respective categories, according to Pro Football Focus.For better context, only 3.01 percent of the nation's defensive linemen have produced more run stops, and 6.62 percent of the nation's defensive linemen have created more quarterback pressure. Only nine linemen with more snaps logged than Dexter have produced either more run stops or quarterback pressures in 2022.  There is plenty of reason for NFL teams to be intrigued by Dexter's potential. Like Richardson, though, Dexter isn't publicly paying his future much mind right now."I haven't. I was focused on South Carolina last week," Dexter said on Monday, "and this week I'm locked in on beating Vandy.") (11-17-22):   https://www.si.com/college/florida/football/florida-gators-nfl-draft-stock-anthony-richardson-gervon-dexter-ocyrus-torrence

2023 NFL Draft Prospects: Five Players Rising After Week 11 (Siaki Ika, DL, Baylor:  An explosive first step is followed by tremendous power if you’re unlucky enough to be in Ika’s way. He’s a penetrative force on the defensive line, and you can find him in either A-gap [the area between offensive guard and center] wreaking havoc. Ika started his career at LSU in Dave Aranda’s defense that won the national title in 2019.) (11-15-22):  https://www.si.com/nfl/2022/11/15/2023-nfl-draft-prospects-risers-byron-young

Week 10 NFL Draft Prospect Battles To Watch: Kayshon Boutte, Eli Ricks Square Off (Texas A&M G Layden Robinson vs. Florida DT Gervon Dexter - In the trenches, play strength and power are two traits that always win out. But what happens when two prospects who have both in elite quantities face off?  That’s a question we’ll get to explore this week when Layden Robinson and Gervon Dexter face each other on the interior.  Robinson is a mountainous guard at 6’4″, 320 pounds, with elite proportional length and subsequent power capacity. His punches can blast defenders back, but Dexter won’t be moved so easily. The 6’6″, 312-pound Dexter has an enticing combination of burst and length, which he leverages into awesome power on his own. In anchor situations, his strength is eye-catching. He can hold the line and wrench down blockers with force.  This is a clash of traits to nearly the highest value. Both of these prospects have early-round aspirations in the 2023 NFL Draft, and this may be a game evaluators look back on, when deciding if they’re worth that kind of investment.) (11-5-22):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2023-nfl-draft-prospect-battles-to-watch-cfb-week-10-2022/

Top 2023 NFL Draft Prospects: Ohio State QB C.J. Stroud Heads a Talented Class (35. Gervon Dexter, DT, Florida:  A former five-star recruit who remarkably played both defensive end and tackle at high school, Gervon Dexter is a 6’6″, 313-pound monster at the heart of the defensive line. The formidable Florida defensive tackle gets off blocks with ease with his powerful long arms and plays with devastating strength at the point of attack.  The 2023 NFL draft prospect is also an impressive athlete for his size, showcasing speed and lateral agility to overcome even the most athletic offensive tackles that he faces off against.) (10-27-22):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2023-nfl-draft-prospects/

Lions 2023 draft watch: 7 players to watch (Gervon Dexter, DT, Florida (junior):  A monster in the middle, Dexter's game is drenched in power but he also has pass-rushing range and understands how to use leverage in spite of his height. He’s still a bit raw, but the potential is super appealing, as is his positional range. He can live at the 1 or 3-techniques, and Florida has even put him on the edge a handful of times, though that likely won’t be something he does in the NFL.  Lions fit: Pairing Dexter with Alim McNeill would give the Lions an interior duo capable of being interchangeable pass rushing 1/3T’s with power for days.  An excerpt from Dane Brugler’s top-50 preview:  “As a pass rusher, Dexter uses his forward lean to uproot, drive his feet and create movement. And as a run defender, Dexter has the long arms to maintain separation and the body control to unwind from blockers. Watching Dexter’s sophomore film at Florida brought back flashbacks of Chris Jones at Mississippi State — a tall, physical athlete with flashes of big-time potential.”) (9-24-22):  https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2022/9/24/23365854/detroit-lions-2023-draft-watch-7-players-watch-clemsons-myles-murphy

2023 NFL Draft Stock - Week 2 (Up - Gervon Dexter Sr., DT, Florida:  Dexter could be an early-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, and his performance versus Kentucky will help his draft grade. In the first quarter, Dexter notched a tackle for a loss on a quarterback draw after Wildcats signal-caller Will Levis was bumped by the right tackle thanks to a great play by Brenton Cox. Shortly later, Dexter recorded another run stuff at the line of scrimmage. At the start of the second quarter, he had a good pressure, working off his block and chasing Levis out of the pocket.  Dexter made a very athletic play in the second quarter by diving for an interception after Cox hit Levis' arm as he threw. After halftime, Dexter showed his rare speed for a defensive tackle by getting to the sideline to push a scrambling Levis out of bounds. A few plays later, he picked up another tackle in run support, pushing the tailback into the turf.  The 6-foot-5, 315-pound Dexter is strong and tough at the point of attack while possessing surprising quickness and athleticism. He could be a nose tackle in the NFL similar to Daron Payne. Dexter's outing against the Wildcats could help him to end up as a first- or second-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.) (9-13-22):  https://walterfootball.com/draft2023stock_02.php

College Football Week 2 Preview: Storylines, matchups and predictions for the biggest games (Going up against Horsey will be Florida’s Brenton Cox Jr., the only SEC edge defender to earn 85.0-plus grades as both a pass-rusher and run-defender since 2020. Florida’s interior is anchored by Gervon Dexter, who excels when lined up over the center. His 84.6 pass-rush grade when playing zero- or one-technique placed third among Power Five interior defensive linemen last season.  Helping to block Dexter will be Auburn transfer Tashawn Manning. He earned a 71.1 overall grade last year, which ranked sixth-highest among SEC guards. ) (9-9-22):  https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-week-2-preview-storylines-matchups-predictions-2022

2023 NFL Draft Board: Top Prospect Battles To Watch In Week 1 (Florida DT Gervon Dexter vs. Utah G Sataoa Laumea - Sataoa Laumea still doesn’t get his due in the 2023 NFL Draft interior class, but he carries some definite appeal. The question with Laumea, who stands at 6’4″, 312 pounds, and brings a great combination of strength and leverage, is what his ceiling is. Can he rise in the 2023 NFL Draft interior group, or is he more of a depth addition?  He may answer some of those questions this week when he faces Gervon Dexter. Dexter is an undisputed early-round talent with the burst and displacement capacity to induce havoc all day. If Laumea can hold his own against Dexter, it’ll open some eyes.) (9-2-22):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2023-nfl-draft-board-top-prospect-battles-to-watch-in-week-1/

'Run to the Storm': Baylor NT Siaki Ika Details Attack-First Mindset (9-1-22):  https://www.si.com/college/baylor/news/bears-siaki-ika-defense-dave-aranda-albany-great-danes

2023 NFL Draft: Ranking the top 10 players at every position (Interior defensive linemen - 4. Gervon Dexter, Florida) (8-26-22):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2023-nfl-draft-ranking-the-top-10-players-at-every-position/

2023 NFL Draft: The top 20 PFF draft prospects on Bruce Feldman's 2022 Freaks List (6. DI GERVON DEXTER, FLORIDA (PFF Board Rank: 26 | Freaks List Rank: 83):  Dexter is nearly a pound-for-pound Javon Kinlaw clone. At nearly 6-foot-6, 313 pounds, Dexter can do things at that size that few have ever been able to do.  He earned a 75.8 pass-rushing grade as a sophomore last season without much in the way of a refined move set. And that’s already a good way ahead of where Kinlaw was as a second-year player. ) (8-10-22):  https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-top-20-prospects-bruce-feldman-freaks-list-renner

My Guys: Trevor Sikkema's early favorite 2023 NFL Draft prospects (DI GERVON DEXTER, FLORIDA:  This one is a little bit of a homer pick, as I am a University of Florida graduate, but there really is a chance for Dexter to be something special in 2022 and beyond. First and foremost, you simply can’t teach that 6-foot-6, 300-pound frame with the kind of pass-rushing and block-shedding ability he’s shown in flashes. Florida DI Gervon Dexter - 90.7 pass-rush grade, 11 pressures, 28.8% win rate.  2020 5-star, 6’6” 303 lbs. Combo of length & strength that makes him a force that Bama & Tenn struggled with. Physically gifted. Reminds me of Javon Kinlaw at SC.pic.twitter.com/iPeGcx3BWp  — Anthony Treash (@PFF_Anthony) September 30, 2021.  Everyone is still looking for more from Dexter, who has just three career sacks and 6.5 career tackles for loss. But he’s just a true junior going into this season with plenty of snaps now under his belt to really take his confidence and production to the next level consistently. ) (7-18-20):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-college-football-my-guys-early-favorite-2023-nfl-draft-prospects-sikkema

Early 2023 NFL Draft DI Rankings: Georgia's Jalen Carter, Clemson's Bryan Bresee lead the pack (5. GERVON DEXTER, FLORIDA (JUNIOR):  Of any player on this list, Dexter is quite easily the biggest projection currently. The defensive tackle has a lab-built frame at 6-foot-6 and 303 pounds with all the athleticism to be an impact pass-rusher. That impact was seen too rarely over the course of last season, though. Only one of his games earned an overall grade over 76.0 in 2021, and that came against Florida Atlantic.  Still, he was a sophomore defensive tackle. That’s par for the course. Quinnen Williams was still riding the pine as a backup at Dexter’s age. The long defensive tackle could very well have a Javon Kinlaw-esque physical profile and draft stock by the time he declares for the NFL draft.) (6-15-22):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-early-2023-nfl-draft-interior-defender-rankings

Florida’s 2023 NFL Draft prospects led by O’Cyrus Torrence, Anthony Richardson (Gervon Dexter, DT:  A former five-star recruit who remarkably played both defensive end and tackle at high school, Gervon Dexter is a 6’6″, 313-pound monster at the heart of the defensive line. If he continues to build on his outstanding sophomore season, he could emerge near the top of the DT class in the 2023 NFL Draft.  Dexter gets off blocks with ease with his powerful long arms and plays with devastating strength at the point of attack. The Florida DT prospect is also an impressive athlete for his size, showcasing speed and lateral agility.) (6-9-22):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/floridas-2023-nfl-draft-prospects-led-by-ocyrus-torrence-anthony-richardson/

2023 NFL Draft: Defensive prospects to watch (Gervon Dexter:  Dexter has some work to do before he lands in the first round but the size and athletic profile are there.) (5-17-22):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2023-nfl-draft-will-anderson-jalen-carter-among-defensive-prospects-to-watch-in-college-football-season/

2023 NFL Draft Watch List: Defense (Gervon Dexter, Florida:  Dexter is a mammoth 6-foot-6, 303-pound nose tackle for the Gators. He’s got the kind of length that every NFL scheme is looking for. He was a full-time starter for the first time last season as a sophomore and flashed with a 75.8 pass-rushing grade.) (5-9-22):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2023-nfl-draft-watch-list-defense

PFN’s Top 100 College Football Players of 2022 (94. Gervon Dexter, DT, Florida:  One of the larger individuals on any defensive line across the nation, Gervon Dexter is a freak of nature. At 6’6″, 312 pounds, Dexter moves fluidly and faster than you’d expect. He’s a large man with a high motor and surprising athletic traits as he moves around like a smaller defender.) (4-22-22):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/top-100-college-football-players-2022/


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