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Thaddeus Dixon, DB
School: University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill | Conference:
College Experience: Senior | Age: 23 (Week 1)
Height / Weight: 6’1” / 195 lbs
Projected Draft Status: 4th-6th Round
Player Comparison: Tyrique Stevenson
College Statistics
| Tackles | Def Interceptions | Fumbles | ||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | Conf | Class | Pos | G | Solo | Ast | Comb | TFL | Sk | Int | Yds | Avg | IntTD | PD | FR | Yds | FRTD | FF | Awards |
| 2023* | Washington | Pac-12 | JR | CB | 14 | 20 | 6 | 26 | 1.0 | 0.0 | 1 | 14 | 14.0 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| 2024* | Washington | Big Ten | SR | CB | 13 | 26 | 17 | 43 | 2.0 | 0.0 | 1 | 21 | 21.0 | 0 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | |
| 2025 | North Carolina | ACC | SR | CB | 7 | 13 | 6 | 19 | 2.0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| Career | 34 | 59 | 29 | 88 | 5.0 | 0.0 | 2 | 35 | 17.5 | 0 | 22 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | |||||
| North Carolina (1 Yr) | 7 | 13 | 6 | 19 | 2.0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||
| Washington (2 Yrs) | 27 | 46 | 23 | 69 | 3.0 | 0.0 | 2 | 35 | 17.5 | 0 | 16 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | |||||
Player Overview
A 3-star JUCO recruit from Los Angeles, CA, Thaddeus Dixon made the most of his opportunity in the FBS, with the Washington Huskies. In two seasons, he totaled 69 combined tackles (3 for loss), 2 interceptions, 16 pass defended, and 1 forced
fumble. For his senior season, he was recruited to play for the North Carolina Tar Heels under Bill Belichick where he totaled seven games during an injury shortened season. Dixon is a versatile defensive back, with experience lining up in the boundary, slot, and nickel. He is used to playing in a Belichick style defense that requires handling multiple responsibilities and reacting to pre-snap offensive formations. Thaddeus worked his way from JUCO level to playing in the major conferences such as Big Ten and ACC.
What Thaddeus Dixon lacks in top-end long speed and subpar run and off-ball coverage, he makes up for by being sticky in press coverage. Dixon has the build for a boundary corner and uses his length well as a pass defender, even if they hardly turn into interceptions. His Senior Bowl practice showed the pros and cons one can expect from him. Inconsistent coverage but is able to use his ballhawking traits to cause a turnover. Dixon is expected to be a Day 3 selection with projectable upside to be a rotational player in the pros.
Metrics
(via nfl.com)
Awards & Accomplishments
- Played in the National Title game [Washington (2024)]
- Senior Bowl Participant
Strengths
- Prototypical build for a boundary cornerback.
- Sticky in initial press coverage with fluid hips and footwork.
- Runs through pass catchers with force.
- Uses his length well to be a nuisance as a pass defender.
- Has experience playing in the nickel and slot.
Weaknesses
- Lacks top long speed, can lose receivers on long routes.
- Plays too upright in zone coverage.
- Takes poor angles in run coverage.
- Can improve with tackling technique, wrap up better.
Let’s See His Work
Interviews
How He Fits on the Commanders
Washington will be looking for a new defensive identity with the arrival of defensive coordinate Daronte Jones. While the secondary will likely be addressed via free agency, the Commanders can continue to add more young bodies to the defensive backs room. What Thaddeus Dixon lacks in upside, he makes up for in positional versatility. Dixon’s versatility coupled with his ball-hawking instinct should earn him a roster spot in the secondary room. With the construction of the defense is just beginning, Dixon would provide the defense with a prospect that can be used as a chess piece in the backfield.
