Up next in the Unpacking Future Packers draft preview series is Florida defensive lineman Gervon Dexter Sr.
The Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects that could be selected by the Green Bay Packers in the 2023 NFL draft.
The Green Bay Packers lost Jarran Reed and Dean Lowry up front. Those two departures leave the Packers razor-thin along the defensive line.
Kenny Clark is still Kenny Clark. With more snaps coming his way, Devonte Wyatt is a candidate to enjoy a breakout campaign. TJ Slaton gives the Packers a space eater that could help them shore up their run defense.
The depth behind those three leaves a lot to be desired. Rest assured that Brian Gutekunst will likely add a defensive lineman or two in the upcoming draft to improve the talent and depth along the defensive line.
A player that Gutekunst could target in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft is Gervon Dexter Sr. The Florida Gator defensive lineman checks in at No. 4 in the Unpacking Future Packers countdown.
A five-star recruit, Dexter only played two years of high school football at Lake Whales high school in Florida. He was a standout basketball player and also competed in track and field.
During his first season at The Swamp, Dexter recorded 1.5 tackles for loss and one interception. In 2021, Dexter recorded 51 tackles, four tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks. This past season, Dexter recorded 55 tackles, four tackles for loss, two sacks, and one interception.
“Dexter had a solid season for a forgettable defensive corps, finishing among the top performers on his side of the ball,” Adam Dubbin, the editor for Gators Wire said. “However, limitations were also on display at times as he struggled with his tendency to be slow off the ball with a weak initial burst. That said, he was very reliable at completing tackles when he was on time and almost always was in the middle of the action when the play extended.”
At 6-5 and 310 pounds, Dexter has an NFL-ready frame. The former three-sport athlete was No. 83 on Bruce Feldman’s annual Freaks list. That athleticism was on display at the combine when he clocked a 4.88 40-yard dash, a 9-02 broad jump, and a three-cone time of 7.50.
“Dexter possesses an NFL-ready physique and is capable of playing multiple positions up front,” Dubbin said. “He also has sufficient length to help open protection edges.”
Dexter is a powerful defensive tackle. He generates push with a long arm move. He rushes with good bend. He displays good closing burst to the quarterback. According to Pro Football Focus, Dexter recorded 49 pressures over the past two seasons.
The Packers need to bolster their interior pass rush. While Dexter needs to add more to his repertoire, he could give Green Bay more juice upfront.
“He does not have a solid go-to move for pocket penetration and he gets absolutely owned by double teams,” Dubbin said. “However, he still has some headroom to grow into at his youthful age.”
Dexter has nimble footwork. His length gives him a wide tackle radius. He’s able to stick his arms out and slow down ball carriers. He stays balanced through contact. When Dexter plays with proper leverage, he’s able to rag-doll offensive linemen with his power (see the Alabama 2021 game). Dexter has the lateral agility to make plays up and down the line of scrimmage. He has the quickness to chase down ball carriers. He needs to play with a better get off.
“He has a tendency to allow the run blockers to bring the action to him,” Dubbin said. “His lack of initial explosiveness to get to the ball carrier early.”
Fit with the Packers
The former five-star left you wanting more. The flashes of dominance were there. They just weren’t consistent.
There is no denying the tools. Dexter has the length, power, and athleticism to develop into a dominant force along the defensive line.
“Dexter’s raw physical talent is very hard to ignore and he could flourish in a 3-4 defensive scheme with consistent reps,” Dubbin said. “One aspect I would focus heavily on in developing him at the next level is his hand usage. A skill that can be learned and would help him make up for some of his lack of speed.”
Bet on the traits. Dexter never became the sum of all his parts during his time in the Swamp. The Packers need difference-makers and depth along the defensive line. Dexter has all the tools in the shed to develop into an interior force playing alongside Clark and Wyatt.
Like Rashan Gary, Dexter’s college production isn’t eye-popping. Also like Gary, it’s hard not to notice the traits. Dexter is dripping with them. If the Packers can unlock Dexter’s potential, they could have a formidable trio and arguably the most talent along the defensive line since B.J. Raji and Cullen Jenkens were strolling through the halls at 1265 Lombardi Avenue.
Dexter checks all the boxes. He’s athletic, he plays a position of need and he won’t turn 22 until October. His best football is in front of him.
Following the trade of Aaron Rodgers, the Packers now have two picks in the second round. Dexter could be one of the selections at pick 42 or 45 as the Packers look to get Clark more help up front.
