Dallas Gant 2024 NFL Draft Overview
Height: Six-foot-three
Weight: 228 pounds
Position: Linebacker
School: Toledo
2024 NFL Draft: Dallas Gant Scouting Report
Hailing from St. John’s Jesuit in Toledo, Ohio, Dallas Gant was initially a four-star recruit in the 2018 cycle and was committed to Ohio State. Gant spent a total of four seasons with the Buckeyes but ultimately only appeared in 36 games. In that time, Gant only managed 54 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, and a pass breakup.
After three games during the 2021 season, Gant jumped into the Transfer Portal to preserve his redshirt. He elected to transfer back home to Toledo and became a leader on the Rockets’ defense.
In his first season in 2022, Gant broke out with 116 tackles to go with 5.5 tackles for loss, five pass breakups, and two forced fumbles. He backed that up in 2023 by posting 116 tackles, eight tackles for loss, a sack, two pass breakups, another forced fumble, and even hauled in his first career interception in the regular-season win over Miami (OH).
In total, Gant was a two-time First-Team All-MAC selection. Prior to the 2023 season, he was named to the Lombardi, Butkus, and Wuerffel Award watch lists. He was named a captain for the Rockets in 2023 as well.
Strengths
- Incredibly versatile
- A very solid run defender and can be relied upon in coverage
- Hits harder and a player his size should
- Keeps his feet moving when engaged with a blocker or making a tackle
- Can be an effective blitzer inside and off the edge
- Has solid acceleration and is more than willing to hit the hole and deliver the hit
Weaknesses
- SMALL (5% weight)
- Late breakout age, will be 24 in May
- Can get beat by misdirection and has a tendency to overrun plays
- Can be swallowed up by bigger blockers
Player Comparison: Marcus Bailey
Projection: Seventh Round/UDFA
Bets Fits: Las Vegas Raiders, Baltimore Ravens, Los Angeles Chargers, New York Giants, Jacksonville Jaguars
Bottom Line on Dallas Gant
One of the top linebackers in all of the MAC over the last two years, Gant was an integral part of the Rockets’ back-to-back MAC West division titles. According to PFF, Gant is coming off his best game of the 2023 season in the bowl loss to Wyoming.
The best thing about Gant is his effort and motor. Despite having a slender frame and being one of the lightest linebacker prospects in recent memory, Gant makes up for it by being a willing and able run defender. Gant is able to come downhill off his keys and deliver the hit on the ball carrier. Additionally, his athletic profile helps him in pass coverage as well. He is a smart zone defender and would be a solid rotational piece to spell the first line of linebackers. Plus he has an impressive five forced fumbles in his career.
The biggest knocks are his size. Gant is small and will need to seriously add weight to his frame to ensure that he has a lengthy NFL career. While he has a history of overcoming this, NFL offensive lineman may be able to have their way with him. Gant should be a quality special teams player as he develops.
Main Image: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
