Kenneth Dixon NFL Draft 2016: Scouting Report, Grade for Ravens Rookie

POSITIVES

A highly productive Louisiana Tech runner, Kenneth Dixon posted three 1,000-yard rushing seasons and scored 87 combined touchdowns during his time with the Bulldogs.

Dixon is a physical, aggressive runner who looks to finish plays. He's elusive in the hole and can slide laterally to escape. Dixon picks and chooses on the fly and shows the quick feet and excellent balance to leave defenders hugging air when he cuts. His ability to find daylight on inside runs is top-notch. Dixon has the vision and feet to see a lane and quickly cut to it. With exceptional body control, he's able to step through traffic and come out cleanly.

His long speed may not be elite, but he has the burst to run away from defenders. He's able to hit the turbo button and get to a second gear when needed.

At 215 pounds, Dixon packs a punch with the ball in his hands. He's a fighter who looks for yards after contact and seems to never fall backward or lose yards. He's an urgent, instinctive, tough runner who has an aggressive playing style.

Dixon is a valuable contributor on third downs, posting 63 catches in the last two seasons.

NEGATIVES

Dixon missed two games with an ankle injury in 2015 and struggled with a knee injury in 2014. Both should be vetted by NFL team doctors. Two lower-body injuries in a small-framed running back will no doubt cause some concerns.

While he is quick and a great change-of-direction back, Dixon lacks the top-end speed and power to wow scouts. He doesn't dominate workouts or didn't blow the doors off the combine. To value Dixon, you have to watch the tape. Some may be worried about a lower-tier competition level at Louisiana Tech compared to players like Derrick Henry or Ezekiel Elliott in big conferences.

Fumbles were a concern for him, with 13 in his last three seasons. That, coupled with a smaller frame and skinny legs, will likely be the biggest red flag in draft rooms when discussing Dixon.

COMBINE RESULTS

Height: 5'10 1/8"

Weight: 215 lbs.

40 Time: 4.58s

3-Cone: 6.97s

Short Shuttle: 4.28s

PRO COMPARISON: Thomas Rawls, Seattle Seahawks
FINAL GRADE: 6.90/9.00 (Round 2—Rookie Starter)