Ahmad Dixon Highlights

OVERVIEW

Highly recruited Texas prep who also lettered in track, advancing to the state meet as part of the 4x400-meter relay team as a sophomore. Appeared in 11 games as a true freshman in 2010, seeing action as a backup safety and on special teams. Recorded 16 tackles and one forced fumble. Missed two games with an undisclosed injury. Moved into a starting role in 2011, starting 13 times at the hybrid nickelback position and registering 89 tackles, three pass breakups and one interception with 5.5 tackles for loss. Made the switch from safety to nickelback during spring drills. Returned his first career interception 55 yards for a touchdown against Rice. In 2012, he started all 13 games at the nickel position and had 102 tackles, three pass breakups and two interceptions with 5.5 tackles for loss and one sack. In 2013, tallied 81 tackles, six pass breakups and one interception with two tackles for loss in 13 games (12 starts). Had 11 starts at safety and one at nickelback. His one missed start was a result of a targeting penalty against TCU, forcing him to the sideline for the first half of the ensuing game vs. Texas. Was arrested on misdemeanor assault charges in September, but was subsequently cleared by a grand jury.
ANALYSIS

STRENGTHS Very good size and straight-line speed. Is aggressive stepping downhill and supporting the run. Closes fast to the ball. Secure, wrap tackler. Takes efficient angles and is a reliable last line of defense. Good backside chase pursuit. Solid special-teams potential.

WEAKNESSES Very tight in the hips. Straight-linish. Pedals tall and is late transitioning. Average recovery speed. Limited cover skills and awareness. Marginal ball skills and small, shaky hands (four career INTs in three seasons as a starter). Very average football IQ; takes an extra tick to sort out routes and digest what he sees. Narrow vision. Limited agility and change of direction in man coverage. See-and-go reactor -- not instant or anticipatory diagnosing. Not a forceful tackler or explosive hitter. Posted worst vertical jump (32 inches), broad jump (9 feet, 2 inches) and three-cone drill (7.55 seconds) among defensive backs at the combine. Cleared of charges, but September assault incident requires closer look.

DRAFT PROJECTION Rounds 6-7

BOTTOM LINE Box safety possessing the physical talent to compete in the NFL and even earn a starting job eventually if he can stay focused, commit to a playbook and hone his eyes. Should be able to factor readily on special teams. Coverage limitations will leave him vulnerable and would be best in a very simple scheme.