FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in March. Here’s a look at Penn State cornerback Johnny Dixon.
2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Johnny Dixon
Johnny Dixon (CB – Penn State)
6’0″ – 191 lbs.
Background:
Johnny Dixon was a four-star recruit who originally attended South Carolina. Rotated in a bit in 2019, then started eight out of 10 games played in 2019, allowing 24/42 passing (57.1%) for 316 yards, breaking up three passes. Transferred to Penn State after that, playing relatively sparingly in 2021 before starting six out of 13 games the following year alongside Joey Porter Jr. and Kalen King; allowed just 14/35 passing (40.0%) for 241 yards, two interceptions and seven breakups. Was a full-time starter this year, allowing 21/31 (67.7%), 244 yards, one interception and one breakup.
Positives:
Was a major contributor for three seasons between two highly-regarded programs. Chippy, confident corner who plays a lot of press-man from the boundary but has taken some snaps out of the slot as well. Feels routes well with his hands to stay connected. Has some twitchy traits to stay glued at the stem. Flattens out well at the top of in-breaking routes with little drift. Uses the sideline effectively to pin opposing receivers. Gets his head around early to locate when his back is to the passer. Shows impressive body control and leaping to aggressively compete at the catch point. Sniffs out screens quickly and has the short-area quickness to slip by opposing receivers to get to the ball. Has also had a lot of success blitzing from the corner, using his suddenness and closing burst to bring down passers (7.5 career sacks, all in the past two seasons.)
Negatives:
Length is on the low end. Center of gravity can be a bit higher than you’d like when transitioning. Can be grabby at the stem and has been penalty-prone in school — 16 flags (including one declined/offset) over the three years in which he had extensive playing time; also got away with some during the games reviewed. Didn’t make as many plays on the ball this past year and can sometimes look just a bit short to make a play on the ball. Relatively limited play from zone coverage this past year. Missed tackles have crept up in each season since 2020.
Summary:
A chippy, confident and very physical press-man cornerback who reads and feels routes well. Has the twitchiness to stay connected at the stem and does a good job of locating the football and competing at the catch point. While he lacks ideal length and is prone to penalties because of his excessive contact down the field, his natural feel for the game consistently shines through on tape. Doesn’t necessarily have to kick inside but playing in the slot might highlight his strengths, like his ability to rush the quarterback, even more effectively.
Projection: Round 4
More 2024 NFL Draft Prospects
Cornerbacks
- Josh Newton (CB – TCU)
- Cooper DeJean (CB – Iowa)
- Ennis Rakestraw Jr. (CB – Missouri)
- Kalen King (CB – Penn State)
- Kamari Lassiter (CB – Georgia)
- Khyree Jackson (CB – Oregon)
- D.J. James (CB – Auburn)
- Nate Wiggins (CB – Clemson)
- Kris Abrams-Draine (CB – Missouri)
- Kool-Aid McKinstry (CB – Alabama)
- T.J. Tampa (CB – Iowa State)
- Quinyon Mitchell (CB – Toledo)
- Terrion Arnold (CB – Alabama)
- Nehemiah Pritchett (CB – Auburn)
- Mike Sainristil (CB – Michigan)
- Dwight McGlothern (CB – Arkansas)
- Caelen Carson (CB – Wake Forest)
- Cam Hart (CB – Notre Dame)
- Max Melton (CB – Rutgers)
- Jarrian Jones (CB – Florida State)
Defensive Backs
- Calen Bullock (DB – USC)
- Beau Brade (DB – Maryland)
- James Williams (DB – Miami)
- Jaden Hicks (DB – Washington State)
- Sione Vaki (DB – Utah)
- Javon Bullard (DB – Georgia)
- Cole Bishop (DB – Utah)
- Tykee Smith (DB – Georgia)
- Malik Mustapha (DB – Wake Forest)
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