D’Cota Dixon, S, Wisconsin
Dixon checks in at 5’10 and roughly 200 pounds, putting him right around the average of most NFL safeties, possibly a bit on the smaller side. Being undersized means Dixon usually will have to be better than average in one or more other areas to make a living at the NFL level and Dixon really is not above average at much besides tackling and effort, leading to his status as an undrafted camp invite. However, after a strong showing at camp, he now lands himself a contract from the Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent.
Dixon’s best chances at making a career in the NFL is to become a contributor on special teams. Dixon struggles mightily in man coverage schemes as he does not have the flexibility or speed to run with receivers.
Due to the lack of speed Dixon struggles to close gaps and make a play on the ball in time when playing in a pass zone situation. Dixon carving out a career as a contributing safety are very slim so he will have to use the tackling abilities and hustle to prove he’s worth a special teams look.
In 5 years at Wisconsin, Dixon totaled 179 tackles, five interceptions and three forced fumbles while tacking on a handful of sacks as well. In 2018, Dixon tallied just 28 solo tackles, two and a half of which came behind the line of scrimmage, and forced one fumble for the Badgers.