When Landon Dickerson was drafted in the 2nd round of the 2021 NFL draft, a lot of fans bemoaned the fact the Eagles were taking “another injury guy”. Twelve weeks into the season, and dominating on the line wherever he’s asked to play, has most fans rethinking their earlier stance and deleting those old receipts.
The Eagles currently hold the number one overall ranked rushing yards per game average in the NFL, averaging 157.9 yards a game. (including 5 straight with over 175 yards). A lot of that has to do with Landon receiving A+ grades on a weekly basis for his run blocking. He has continued to develop and brings a fight to his opponent on every single play. His physicality and success as a run blocker has also carried over into his pass blocking, where he has become better and far more consistent. The left side of the Eagles offensive line, Mailata and Dickerson, are young, hungry, nasty, and absolutely mauling anyone in their way. And the best part is, they both love to line up and just beat the other man down snap after snap. Weighing in at a massive combined listed weight of 698 pounds, those beatdowns are happening early and often.
Landon’s physicality was noticed all the way back in high school when he refused to be bullied by anyone on the opposing defensive line. He came to battle every down, win or lose the previous play. A trait he has carried with him since he was very young.
Dickerson was born September 30, 1998 and grew up in Hickory, North Carolina. The same determination he uses to train he brings to the field every week. That attitude has always been a part of his personality. Landon earned a black belt at the age of 11, the youngest ever at the dojo he trained in. Martial arts wasn’t his only interest as a child, “I have a gymnastics background, so I did that for quite a few years. When I was younger I tumbled a lot.” which explains his now famous cartwheels video.
By the time he started playing High School Football for South Caldwell High, he was already being recognized as a top four star recruit. He was also formulating personality traits that have served him well ever since. While in high school, Landon stated that while studying Henry David Thoreau in English, he read the piece “Walking” and how the words spoke to him. Thoreau wrote “ Above all, we cannot afford not to live in the present” and Dickerson stated “His ideas really kind of appeal to me. He’s been an interest to me. I just try to put the past behind me, whether good or bad. You’ve got to just keep working and getting better every day”
After graduation Landon decided to play at Florida St, choosing them over Tennessee, Virginia Tech, Georgia and Auburn amongst others. He was named the starting right guard for the Seminoles as a true freshman during training camp. The first to do so for the school since 1982. He started seven games before suffering a season ending knee injury, an issue that would follow him throughout his collegiate career.
His sophomore season ended much the same, this time after four games due to another injury. Dickerson sustained an ankle injury two games into his third year and used a redshirt medical exemption. The injury label was starting to become a part of his reputation and he opted to go to Alabama as a graduate transfer (he already earned his undergraduate degree from Florida St) to play his final two seasons of NCAA eligibility.
Once at Alabama, just like his first year with FSU, Landon was named starting right guard for the Crimson Tide. Unlike at FSU, Dickerson was moved to center week five (he had never played center at any level) and played the final 9 games of the year there. He quickly excelled at the position and was named second team All Southeastern Conference.
Landon began his red shirt senior season as the starting center and after a very successful year dominating at the position, the injury bug hit again. He suffered ligament damage in his right knee during the SEC Championship game. His determination and dedication during rehab was rewarded when he dressed for the 2021 College Football Championship game. Despite suffering a season ending injury he entered the game during the final snap of Alabama’s National Championship victory over Ohio St.
Heading into the draft the biggest, and really only, concern was his extensive injury history. Dickerson would have been a first round pick, maybe even a top 15 selection, if not for his most recent injury. Landon still had plenty of supporters. Including Brian Baldinger, “He’s my favorite player in the draft. He’ll start the fight and finish the fight.”
Philadelphia was also enamored. Dickerson stated that he spoke to the Eagles a few times heading into the draft. “ We had good meetings throughout that (draft process) I love coach Stoutland, he has an Alabama background, great dude. I look forward to getting coached by him.” He also stated that his role with the team was never discussed. “ I have tape, I’ve started all 5 positions on the offensive line. My role is whatever coach thinks, whatever position I need to be in to make the team better” An attitude the Eagles loved.
The risk reward would prove to be too great for General Manager Howie Roseman and the Eagles to pass on. Philadelphia selected Dickerson with the 37th overall pick in round two of the 2021 NFL Draft. Roseman stated “(we) didnt think there was any chance” he would be available at 37. “ I think you understand there’s risk-reward in it. We rely on our medical staff to figure it out the best way to handle these, we also don’t want to be risk averse. We want to take chances”
With the Eagles recent history dealing with injuries, and having taken a similar risk in the 2017 draft with injured cornerback Sydney Jones, most fans, pundits and beat writers that follow the team were highly skeptical. Jones had a redshirt rookie season, and the risk didnt pay off. They seemingly overcorrected and didn’t draft DK Metcalf in 2019 due to medical concerns and selected JJ Arcega Whiteside. The Eagles, having been previously burned on both sides of the coin, had a slightly different approach and reasoning during the 21 draft. The difference this time was that the Eagles believed Dickerson (unlike Jones) would be able to play his rookie year. And play he has.
In addition to beating his opponents, he’s currently credited with the fifth highest run block win rate amongst all guards. His desire to get better is contagious and noticed by everyone in the locker room. Including his coaches. Sirianni on Dickerson “ I continue to see Landon get better, he cares, he’s tough, he’s physical, and he’s going to just keep getting better. Coach Stout is a great coach. If Landon comes in a day, he doesn’t feel like getting better that day. I promise you that Jeff Stoutland will make sure he’s feeling ready to get better that day.”
With Landon, working out and training isn’t something the Eagles will have to concern themselves with. During the pandemic Dickerson was so dedicated to training and his craft that he bought a bunch of gym equipment, turning his car port into a gym for for him and his then Alabama Crimson Tide teammates. He stated that the “gym” had a 300 gallon cold tub for recovery, jugs machine for the wideouts, a whiteboard with individual workouts for each player, recovery shakes, and that he provided sanitary services to prevent illness and ensure safety for everyone. “ I took a serious role in sanitary management, throughout that whole time we didn’t have one person contract covid or come to the house with covid.”
It’s easy to see how after only playing 2 seasons at Alabama he became a team and fan favorite. He has endeared himself to the Philadelphia faithful just as quickly. Whether it be sneaking out of the house to wear his overalls. Training hard to get ready to play for the 2021 season. Playing at level that makes everyone forget he is a rookie. Or instilling his dedication and work ethic to all of his teammates. Landon is winning over the fan base, the locker room, and every team he has faced.
2021 has been a year to remember for Dickerson. A college National Championship. Being selected in the second round by the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFL draft. Getting engaged this year to former beach volleyball player, Brooke Kuhlman. (She played for both FSU and Alabama like her fiancé.) And having a starting position on an offensive line that is dominating on a weekly basis. Throughout it all, his desire hasn’t changed one bit. “I am going to give everything to the city of Philly and my team. I m going to work everyday”
As always, Thank You for reading! And to everyone who assisted me, whether it was on the phone, email, or tweeting me back, much appreciation.
David
Follow me at @PHLEagleNews