Kenneth Dixon, Louisiana Tech RB: 2016 NFL Draft Profile

Kenneth Dixon

College: Louisiana Tech

Position: Running Back

Height/Weight: 5-10/215

College Stats: 4,483 yards rushing, 72 touchdowns, 87 receptions, 15 touchdowns, 87 total touchdowns.

Kenneth Dixon is one of the few Group of Five running backs that could have stepped in at any program in the nation played well. He was a freshman All-American and set an NCAA record with 27 touchdowns during the 2012 season. Despite fighting injures in his sophomore and senior seasons, Dixon finished his career at Louisiana Tech with a school record 4,480 yards and 72 touchdowns on the ground. His 87 career touchdowns ranks second only to Keenan Reynolds in NCAA history.

Dixon was a part of the All-Louisiana team three times, first team All-WAC in 2012, 2012 WAC Freshman of the Year, 2012 Freshman All-American, 2013 and 2014 Second Team All-Conference USA selection, and 2015 First Team All-Conference USA selection.

Pros:

Of the true running backs eligible for the NFL draft, Dixon has put up the best career stats. He has over 4,400 yards rushing, 969 yards receiving and 87 total touchdowns at Louisiana Tech. His ability to find his way into the endzone is outstanding.

Dixon is move elusive than one would expect. He loves contact, but can gain extra yardage at the second level due to his ability to make defenders miss in open field. He is the type of player to get to the second level quickly and take an extra 20 yards with one move.

One thing a team will get out of Dixon is a hard worker that will put the team ahead of his own personal goals. He has the belief in his ability to work harder than just about anyone else at his position.

Cons:

The biggest weakness for Dixon at the NFL level is proving injury issues are in the past. He has been afflicted with lower body injuries on occasions while at Louisiana Tech. Dixon also has a habit of trying too hard sometimes to break an explosive play. It is normally effective, but it has also resulted in Dixon losing several fumbles.

The other major worry about Dixon is just how much tread is left on the tires. During his incredibly productive college career, Dixon has carried the ball over 800 times and caught another 87 passes. Those numbers tend to be red flags for multiple teams at the NFL level. He may drop 10-20 spots due to that single issue.

Where will Dixon get drafted?

Nearly every mock draft puts Dixon as a second round selection. A couple have him dropping into the very early portion of the third round. He is the #4 ranked running back according to CBS Sports and could easily be off the board in the second round in the late 50s if all falls perfectly. Dallas, New England, the Giants, and Miami could all be great landing spots for Dixon.

My choice is Dallas at the #67 selection.