Add Another Threat; Steelers Add QB Dixon in Round Five

Could the Steelers have their next “Slash”?  Maybe, as Sunday in round five the team took a shot on a very athletic QB in Oregon’s Dennis Dixon.  Just ask Michigan about Dixon, who can release the ball quickly, and can also run the ball about as good as any QB that was in the draft.  He will likely draw comparisons to former Steeler Kordell Stewart, who use to come in on certain situations and fire off passes of run, as that was his ability.  Of course Stewart could also catch, something you won’t see Dixon do.

Here is the Scouts Inc. Breakdown on Dixon:

Strengths: Dual threat quarterback with excellent athleticism for the position. Gets set quickly and has a quick release. Puts above-average zip on passes and flashes the ability to fit the ball into tight spaces when throwing underneath. Not forcing as many throws as a senior and is content to tuck-and-run when a receiver doesn’t break open. Shows adequate accuracy when he gets into a rhythm and flashes the ability to lead receivers when throwing underneath. Is tall enough to scan the field from within the pocket and has the quick feet to buy time. Shows adequate ball skills and can freeze defenders with play fake. Can make the first defender miss and is fast enough to pick up valuable yards with feet when scrambles. Shows good awareness when running in the open field and generally gets down or out of bounds when pursuit closes in.

Weaknesses: Is lean and must add significant bulk to his frame in order to withstand NFL punishment. Needs to get stronger, as well. Durability is now a major concern following 2007 season-ending knee injury. Is he committed to playing football or baseball professionally? Plays in a spread scheme in college and spends most of his time working out of the shotgun. Will have to adjust to lining up under center and reading coverage while dropping. Doesn’t appear to read defenses well and locks onto receivers far too much. Loses the strike zone too frequently and is inconsistent as a passer. Doesn’t put great touch on downfield passes and struggles to drop the ball in over coverage. Footwork is inconsistent, frequently throws off back foot when defense gets pressure up the middle and throws across body at times.

Overall: In his first three seasons at Oregon (2004-’06), Dixon played in 30 games (13 starts) and completed 272 of 441 attempts (61.7 percent) for 2,993 yards, 18 touchdowns and 17 interceptions. He also rushed 153 times for 625 yards (4.1 average) and three touchdowns in that span. Dixon was knocked out of a game in 2005 with a concussion. He exploded as a senior, completing 67.7 percent of his pass attempts for 2,136 yards, 20 touchdowns and just four interceptions in 10 games to rank third in the nation in passer efficiency (161.2). He also ran for 583 yards (5.0 average) and nine touchdowns before suffering a torn ACL in his left knee at Arizona in November. Few players improved their draft stock as much as Dixon did during the first couple months of the 2007 season. Unfortunately for Dixon, a knee injury cut his remarkable senior campaign short. When healthy, Dixon has enough redeeming qualities as a developmental project to consider drafting in the middle rounds. He has always been blessed with a great frame, a strong arm and excellent athletic ability. However, in order to compete for a starting job in the NFL, he must improve his bulk, strength and overall efficiency as a passer. And that’s assuming he makes a full recovery. While his upside is intriguing, Dixon has entirely too many strikes against him to warrant consideration in the first three rounds. A team willing to take that type of risk must consider these four hurdles: 1) He must recover from ACL tear. 2) He only starred for two months of one season (less than another one-hit wonder from Oregon, Akili Smith). 3) He comes from a spread offense that has not translated well to the NFL. 4) There is very little assurance he will choose to play football professionally instead of returning to the baseball field.