Rookie Spotlight: Dai’Jean Dixon, Nicholls State
Height: 6-3
Weight: 200
Hands: 9 1/2″
Arm: 32 3/8″
40 yard dash: 4.62
NFL Comparison: Marvin Jones

College Production (Final Season)
33% team receptions
37% team receiving yards
40% team receiving TDs

Breakout Age: 20

Pros
Consistent production throughout college career
Plays with vigor and tenacity
Comes off even bigger than listed size
Quick and explosive for size
Secure hands
Can play inside and out
Solid blocker
Secures catches through contact
High points the ball well
Was good at NLFPA All-Star game

Cons
Lacks long speed
Mediocre ball skills
Needs to sharpen route running
Plays too tall, needs to sink hips
Will be 24 during rookie season

Scouting Notes:
Dixon dominated in the FCS, earning first team All-Southland in all 3-seasons he started for Nicholls State. Watching his tape, it’s not hard to see why. Dixon is every bit of the 6’ 2.5’’, 200 lbs he’s listed as, and he plays even bigger. With broad shoulders and thick haunches, he can throw his weight around on the field, and he had little problem bringing in contested catches with regularity in the FCS – He has ups to spare. Dixon plays with vigor and tenacity, displaying a quickness and explosiveness that belies his lack of long speed(4.62 40 time). As a route runner, Dixon has a pretty extensive tree, but he’s not the savviest of receivers in that regard. He’s going to need to sharpen his routes and learn how to adjust them adequately to different coverages. His hands are extremely secure though, and Dixon catches the ball well in traffic, especially over the middle of the field. After the catch, he leaves a bit to be desired, as he isn’t particularly elusive or agile – Hips are too high most of the time. Overall, Dixon does a lot of things well, but his athleticism may not carry him in the next level like it did in the FCS.

Fantasy Outlook:
Dixon’s slow 40 time, will probably leave him as late round draft fodder, but he does have potential in the NFL. I doubt Dixon will have trouble moving the chains at the next level, but his lack of straightaway speed will limit his exposure to the deep ball, so you’re going to have to rely on quantity and TD equity for a player of his ability. And though Dixon plays big, there are even bigger WRs in the NFL, many of whom possess considerably more speed than he does. Dixon is a work in progress who may spend more time on the practice squad than in the game. If he manages to find himself in a shallow WR corps though, his play strength and secure hands may just find him a regular role on an NFL offense.