The pick is in, and the Philadelphia Eagles are on an Alabama roll. The No. 37 overall pick is offensive lineman Landon Dickerson.
NFL DRAFT: NIGHT TWO
The 2021 NFL Draft commenced last night, April 29, and for the Philadelphia Eagles, it was a success.
To the surprise of fans, the Eagles exchanged their No. 12 overall pick with the Dallas Cowboys. At the No. 10 selection, jumping the New York Giants, Philadelphia selected Alabama’s wide receiver, DeVonta Smith.
With nine picks remaining, the Eagles added another Alabama alum to their roster. The 37th overall pick — guard converted to center, Landon Dickerson.
Dickerson is the first offensive lineman the Eagles have drafted in the second round since 2006.
DICKERSON’S FUTURE ROLE WITH THE EAGLES
Landon Dickerson began his collegiate career at Florida State at right guard. In what would be the start of an extensive injury list, he suffered a season-ending knee injury during his freshman year. The next two years would follow the same path.
After transferring to Alabama for his final two seasons of NCAA eligibility, Dickerson was moved to center despite his unfamiliarity with the position. He was named second-team All-Southeastern Conference.
Despite another injury during his final year, he was named first-team All-SEC, Unanimous All-American, and was awarded the Rimington Trophy as the nation’s best center.
In his 2020 season, Dickerson averaged an overall blocking grade of 91.3 and 99.6 on assignments.
With Dickerson at center, it would seem as if the 6-foot-6, 333-pound player may not start at the position until 2022. However, as the eventual successor to veteran Jason Kelce, Dickerson could also be used interiorly in the event the line is wrecked by injuries again.
As long as Dickerson himself can remain healthy, he’ll be a powerhouse for the Eagles, who are hoping to reinvent themselves in the years to come. He will now join former teammate DeVonta Smith and fellow alum Jalen Hurts.
Philadelphia’s next selection will be No. 70 in the third round.
