2021 NFL Draft Guard, Center Rankings Top Five
5. Landon Dickerson, Alabama (C/OG)
Size: 6-6, 333
The Good: What do you want in a center? You want him to be tall but bulky, long but strong, and you need him to be just quick enough that the size isn’t a much of a problem when it comes to playing in the interior.
Dickerson is really more of an NFL guard than a center, but his 6-6 height isn’t an issue with the tougher defensive tackles who can get low. He’s not an elite athlete for an O lineman, but so what if he’s not an NFL tackle? He’s a tough guy’s tough guy who’ll start for the next ten years at a high level.
However …
The Not-So-Good: Can he stay healthy? There’s no question about his talent, toughness or skill set, but he might slip a wee bit after getting battered around a bit – he’s coming off a knee injury that might lift him a bit early on.
He’s not going to do a whole lot on the move and his size might occasionally work against him at center, but that’s nitpicking. As long as he’s bookended by guards who can handle elite quickness, he’ll be fine.
NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: It’s almost a joke at this point when it comes to analyzing Alabama pro prospects, especially for the offensive line. To go cliché, go ahead and check almost every box when it comes to the no-bust potential on his ability. Again, though, it’ll all come down to durability – staying healthy hasn’t been a positive.
Projected Round: Second