Johnny Dixon, DB, Penn State
Size:
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 188 pounds
Arm Length: 29 1/2"
Hand Size: 8 5/8"
Accomplishments:
Honorable Mention All-Big Ten (2022)
“Johnny Dixon is a high-level, twitched-up athlete with a refined game as a pure cover corner.”
Strengths:
Length
Acceleration
Awareness inside contact window
Quick feet
Extra man in pressure
Concerns:
Sits high in backpedal at times
Grabby if beaten
Tackling
Play strength
Film Analysis:
Johnny Dixon is versatile for both man and zone-heavy schemes. He has long arms and is a twitched-up athlete who explodes in space.
In zone, Dixon showcases excellent awareness and the ability to play both square and in side-saddle technique off the line of scrimmage. He plays with an excellent base to quickly change direction. Electric throttle downhill, and, when targeted, is rarely yards away from the football. Plays through the hands of WRs nicely. Looks like a primary Cover 3 corner off the hoof due to his length and downhill ability but should find immediate success in a hybrid scheme.
In man, Dixon isn’t afraid to mix it up in press or work in off-man scenarios. He has a powerful yet inconsistent punch to jolt wideouts when utilizing press-bail technique. Smooth footwork to glide and carry in space. Can get a tad high in his backpedal at times, however, that can put a hiccup into his transitions. When pressed vertically, Dixon can quickly kick into another gear to remain in the pocket of receivers. Long strides eat up ground. Four interceptions and 13 PBUs in five collegiate seasons.
Dixon is a sensational extra body as a blitzer. Hides his intentions well and is quick to break toward the line of scrimmage. Arrives in the pocket at full speed with violent intentions. Does not over-pursue and will often bat down passes and force throw-aways when sent off the edge.
Concerns remain about his willingness to grab when occasionally beaten early in the rep. He’s often quick to initiate contact instead of remaining patient and trusting technique to remain in phase. One-on-one tackling in space must also improve—often attempts to dive at ankles to knock ball-carriers off their feet. That is a very fixable issue under a defensive coordinator who preaches the small details. Overall strength has room for improvement, also, as Dixon can be displaced in the run game against more advanced run-blocking tight ends and wideouts.
Prospect Projection: Day 2 — Adequate Starter
Exposures: Ohio State (2023), Michigan (2023), West Virginia (2023)
