With the 92nd pick of the 2016 RCF Mock Draft, the New England Patriots select:
Kenneth Dixon, RB, Louisiana Tech
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XqPnaMf3h6s
The Patriots are glad to add another solid offensive weapon in the late 3rd. While it's true that LeGarrette Blount was re-signed, his benching seems to be an annual tradition and he cannot be counted on in any way. Dion Lewis, while explosive, is no sure bet to return to form following his knee injury and the rest of their running backs are JAGs. Bill Belichick used half a dozen different runners last year and the situation was a mess when Lewis went down. This move provides some clarity. Kenneth Dixon is a super productive and competitive runner who, while not an elite athlete, still manages to make his fair share of plays while exhibiting toughness. He's also very useful as a receiver meaning that once he learns to pass protect a bit better, he won't have to disappear from the field like Blount does should the gameplan dictate heavy passing. He's a Patriots' kind of RB and will help provide some stability to one of the ugliest situations in the NFL.
Overview
For a couple of days, Dixon was the leading touchdown scorer in FBS history. Even though Navy quarterback Keenan Reynolds bested Dixon's 87 scores in his final game, Techs top dog had an outstanding career. He earned first-team All-Conference USA honors in 2015 (1,070 rush yds, 467 receiving yards, 26 total TD) despite missing two games with an ankle injury. Dixon had earned first-team all-conference notice in the WAC as a true freshman in 2012 (1,194 yards, 27 rush TD) and second-team All-Conference USA the last two years as he hit 1,000 yards rushing (1,299) in 2014 and 917 as a sophomore while fighting a knee injury. That sort of consistency is a rare feat for a college back.
Strengths
Hungry runner who almost never gives in to the defender. Light on his feet using outstanding jump cut and lateral quickness to sidestep danger in the backfield and create a positive play. Elusiveness on second level often leaves tacklers grasping at air. Able to string moves together and hit the explosive play. Despite being keyed on, still creates yardage for himself. Determined and competitive. Accelerates through initial contact and squeezes carries for everything he can. Averaged almost twice as many yards per carry after first contact (3.3) than before first contact (1.7). Greedy eater when endzone in his sights with 39 rushing touchdowns since 2014. Quick recognition of defensive flow and adjusts running lanes accordingly. Decisive runner with plus burst and ability to charge it up to his top speed instantly. Has very good feel for running lanes and tacklers and is able to navigate both without much wasted movement. Violent finisher for his size and enjoys thumping corners and safeties. Reliable pass catcher who can hurt teams out of the backfield.
Weaknesses
Very average thickness through lower half. Struggled with a knee injury in 2013 and missed two games in 2015 with an ankle injury. Physical running style could lead to durability concerns. Not as likely to slip out of side doors against substantially better competition. Average long speed makes him more slasher than home-run hitter. Competitive resolve leads him to try and do too much on some snaps. Base narrows in space and can be susceptible to shoestring tackles. Aggression and competitiveness as a runner isnt as readily available in pass protection. Needs to improve ball security. Has fumbled 13 times over last three seasons.
NFL Comparison
Thomas Rawls
Bottom Line
Highly determined runner with a strong desire to compete through the whistle on every snap. Dixon possesses outstanding feet with exciting suddenness in his change of direction, but hes very willing to finish his runs with authority and has a knack for finding the endzone. Dixon has all the traits of being a quality, three-down starter in the NFL but his frame and suspect pass protection could be long-term concerns.
The Arizona Cardinals and @Snowblind are now on the clock.
