Seahawks Draft Prospect Profile, RB Kenneth Dixon
By Dan Viens
With the NFL scouting combine underway in Indianapolis, we take a look at some possible Seattle Seahawks draft targets.
The NFL Draft is fast approaching and teams all around the NFL are working furiously to put together their draft boards. For the Seattle Seahawks, this is a crucial year for GM John Schneider and head coach Pete Carroll. The last couple of drafts have produced more depth than superstars, but with their high-priced young core now causing annual salary cap constraints, they find themselves needing to hit on a couple starter-quality players this time around.
Let’s take a look at some players who may appear to be a fit in Seattle, regardless of round.
KENNETH DIXON, RB, Louisiana Tech
Dixon first came on my radar earlier this year when Jared Stanger (@JaredStanger) started campaigning for him. If you don’t know Stanger, or don’t follow him, you should. He’s simply the most devoted amateur scouting aficionado out there. He knows exactly the type of prospect the Seahawks favor, and spends a substantial amount of time pouring over tape to find any hidden nugget out there who might have “Seattle Seahawk Prospect” written all over him. He passionately stumped for Kristjan Sokoli before the draft last year and correctly predicted exactly the spot the Hawks would take him in.
Once I started looking closer at Dixon myself, it’s hard to disagree that he’s an intriguing possibility.
SPECS:
- Height – 5’10”
- Weight – 215 lbs
- Arms – 31 3/8″
- 40 yard dash – 4.58
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STRENGTHS: Dixon is everything you want in a runner. He has the ability to make quick, decisive cuts, good enough lateral quickness to elude would-be tacklers, and LOVES contact. Always willing to put his shoulder down and fight for extra yardage at the end of a run or when there just isn’t much there to begin with. Averaged 3.3 yards after initial contact in his college career. Scored an amazing 87 touchdowns. Remarkably consistent performer during his four year career despite being focal point of opposing defenses. Only season he failed to reach 1,000 yards was when he was battling a knee injury as a sophomore.
What makes Dixon potentially special is his ability to catch the ball. Playing in La Tech’s spread system, he caught 87 passes for 969 yards and 15 scores, and looked natural during receiving drills at the combine this week.
And now some highlights for your viewing pleasure….
WEAKNESSES: Some scouts aren’t in love with his frame and he needs work as a pass protector, but don’t most backs coming out of college? 13 fumbles over 4 seasons. Might be questions about the mileage on his tires already as he logged 802 carries during his four year stint as starter in college.
HOW HE WOULD FIT FOR THE SEAHAWKS: Dixon has a running style that would fit well with what the Seahawks do. He’s physical, and has enough speed to extend runs once he gets past the first level. What makes him an especially good fit is his ability to catch the ball.
Next: Seahawks Draft Prospect Profile, RB Alex Collins
And here’s the kicker. On his NFL.com draft profile, the NFL player he’s compared to is none other than….. Thomas Rawls. Dixon is currently projected as a second day draft prospect. The Seahawks have an extra pick in the third round as compensation for losing Byron Maxwell in free agency last year.