One under-the-radar defender who has Liam Coen's attention is Jacksonville Jaguars defensive tackle Matt Dickerson.
While during the offseason what exactly Dickerson's role on this year's team would be seemed to be an unknown, it became quite clear when the Jaguars released their initial unofficial depth chart that he would be a key contributor this season, listed as a primary backup to Arik Armstead.
What has helped Dickerson continue to stand out is his consistency and play style.
"He is so consistent with the way that he comes out and hits blocks," said Coen on Sunday. "The way that he strikes blocks. The way that he can play firm at the point of attack. His hands are so heavy. Like when you just shake his hand, you just grab his hand, he's so dense and thick, and he's violent when he can be able to get to his hands in extension and shed. I mean, he's a strong, strong dude."
Initially last season, Dickerson was on the Jaguars' practice squad. However, as the season progressed, his role expanded, with him emerging as a regular member of the defensive tackle rotation.
Dickerson finished the season with four quarterback pressures, and he graded out well against the run by PFF's metrics.
Dickerson went undrafted in 2018 and has played for Tennessee, Atlanta, Kansas City, and Miami before landing in Jacksonville last offseason.
"His journey is so impressive," Coen added. "It's such a great learning op for so many young players that it's like not everybody's a one-through-five draft pick and life's easy and their career is easy, and they just make it. Like, he had to work really, really hard to finally truly make it, and so I'm glad that it's with us. I'm glad that he's able to call this place home for now, and he's making a huge impact for our team."
This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: How one under-the-radar Jaguars defender has caught Liam Coen's attention
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