AJ:Texans draft watch: RB Anthony Dixon

[Wolf]

Continuing our draft watch series, let's take a look at senior running back Anthony Dixon from Mississippi State.

The Texans primary needs entering the 2010 draft are at running back, free safety, interior offensive lineman, defensive tackle and cornerback assuming Dunta Robinson leaves in free agency.

Dixon's projection from NFL Draft Scout is currently early second to mid-third round with the 'most likely' estimate being second round.

Dixon, who led the SEC with 126.5 yards rushing per game, played in the Senior Bowl but had only one carry for three yards. He also worked out at fullback during the week.

According to Kyle Veazey of the Clarion-Ledger (Jackson, MS), Dixon weighed in at 245 during Senior Bowl practice week, which is about 10 pounds heavier than his listed weight last season. But apparently, it's has nothing to do with cheeseburgers since Veazey reported that "Dixon's body drew praise from analysts in Mobile."

Prior to the Senior Bowl, Wes Bunting and Kyle Fortenbaugh of the National Football Post collaborated on this scouting report on Dixon.

NFP gave Dixon a 6.8 on their grading scale which carries this definition: "Becomes a starter in his rookie year…becomes a solid NFL player who has no real weakness…can’t be exploited or consistently taken out of games."

Despite that lofty grade, Bunting says Dixon "doesn’t display an elite burst to his game, lacks a second gear, and isn’t a big-play threat at the second level."

My question is whether Dixon would be better suited in a power blocking scheme rather than a zone scheme. He's certainly an intriguing prospect whose style would contrast nicely with a healthy Steve Slaton.

Dixon would most likely have to be a second round pick of the Texans since current projections have him gone by the third.

http://www.examiner.com/x-778-Houston-Texans-Examiner~y2010m2d21-Texans-draft-watch-RB-Anthony-Dixon

 

[LonerATO]

This is one back that I like and and think would help the Texans at the goalline.

 

[Tailgate]

I really like this guy. Hes a monster... but as the article stated, is he good fit for us? I think the Texans will be looking very close at this guy at the combine as a possible 2nd round pick. Most importantly, the quickness (sharp cut ability) he displays... as thats probably an area the Texans would like him to have more of at this point. But that also may be where Slaton would come in.

Dixon's highlights vs. LSU:

http://nfldrafttoday.com/2010/01/anthony-dixon-video-highlights/

 

[Lucky]

Dixon looks the part, and has the resume. Maybe it was the weird spread offense he was in, but I just don't see a real instinctive runner when I watch him. And his DUI last summer won't earn brownie points with the Texans.

 

[Wolf6151]

I'd have no problem if the Texans decided to take Dixon in the 2nd round.

 

[threetoedpete]

Well, he'll never get athletes feet for sure. The guy isn't a gym rat. So tell me true: How can a guy that big lift like a little WR ? Inquiring minds wish to know ?