Patriots Use Final Pick on Alabama LB Xzavier Dickson
The theme of the New England Patriots’ 2015 NFL Draft is clearly the front seven.
With their final pick in the seventh round (253rd overall), the Patriots selected Alabama linebacker Xzavier Dickson, marking five of 11 selections used on players for their defensive front.
His experience under Alabama head coach Nick Saban has most likely prepared him well for his future in the NFL, specifically under Saban’s good friend Bill Belichick.
At 6-foot-3 and 260 pounds, Dickson projects best as a defensive end in a 4-3 or an outside linebacker in a 3-4. He put up impressive numbers rushing the passer at Alabama, notching 12.5 tackles for loss and nine sacks as a senior. He has shown some pass-rush ability, but he’ll need to improve his ability to hold the point of attack against the run.
A little time in the weight room could help him set the edge a bit better, but he’ll have to find a niche role at some point; according to NFL.com, “Dickson doesn’t feature the explosive, athletic traits to be a pass-rushing specialist and might not have enough strength at the point of attack to be an every-down defensive end.’’
Meet the Patriots’ 2015 draft class.
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