2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Flip Dixon, Safety, Rutgers

Overall

Flip Dixon is a smart, physical safety with excellent instincts and leadership qualities. His ability to diagnose plays pre-snap and communicate adjustments makes him a stabilizing force in the secondary, ensuring all players are aligned and prepared. Dixon thrives in zone coverage, showcasing strong route recognition and reliable ball skills to disrupt passing lanes. While his average speed limits his range in deep coverage, his tackling ability and aggression near the line of scrimmage make him a significant asset in run support. His physicality and football IQ allow him to anticipate plays and contribute effectively across multiple levels of the defense. With continued refinement in his man coverage technique and block-shedding ability, Dixon has the potential to develop into a reliable and well-rounded starting safety in a scheme that prioritizes physicality, intelligence, and communication.

Pass Game

In the passing game, Dixon’s primary strength lies in his ability to read quarterbacks and anticipate routes. His ball skills allow him to capitalize on poorly placed throws, with a knack for generating turnovers or disrupting plays. Dixon is particularly effective in zone coverage, where his instincts, awareness, and football IQ allow him to patrol intermediate zones and make timely breaks on the ball. His leadership on the field helps coordinate complex coverage schemes, making him a valuable asset in high-pressure situations. However, his average man coverage skills require improvement, especially against quicker or more athletic targets. Dixon’s ability to transition and close on deep throws is also an area for growth, as his average top-end speed limits his range. By improving his technique in man coverage and refining his footwork and recovery ability, Dixon can enhance his impact in the passing game and become a more versatile safety.

Run Game

Against the run, Dixon is an aggressive and willing contributor who consistently puts himself in the right position to make plays. He takes efficient angles to the ball carrier and limits yards after contact with his sound tackling technique. His physicality is evident when filling gaps and taking on ball carriers, as he plays with a sense of urgency and toughness. However, his inability to disengage from blocks consistently can hinder his effectiveness near the line of scrimmage, particularly against stronger offensive linemen. Dixon’s instincts allow him to quickly identify run plays and arrive at the point of attack with force, but improving his block-shedding ability and maintaining his physicality throughout the game will be essential for elevating his run defense. With further refinement in these areas, Dixon can become a more complete and reliable defender in both run and pass situations.

Last Word

Dixon projects as a starting strong safety in a defensive scheme that emphasizes zone coverage, communication, and run support. His instincts, leadership, and tackling ability make him an invaluable presence near the line of scrimmage and in intermediate zones. While his limited speed and average man coverage skills reduce his ceiling in some roles, his physicality and football IQ ensure he is a dependable contributor. Dixon’s ability to elevate those around him, combined with his versatility and special teams value, makes him a key asset in any defensive rotation. With continued development, he has the potential to become a well-rounded and impactful safety.

One-Liner

Flip Dixon is an instinctive, physical safety with strong leadership and tackling skills, excelling in zone coverage, run support, and providing stability to the secondary.

Grade: 6.4 – Ceiling: 6.7 (20%) Floor: 6.3 (25%) Round: 4

Best Fit Teams:

1. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers value physical, instinctive safeties who can excel in zone coverage and provide run support, which matches Dixon’s skill set. His ability to diagnose plays quickly and adjust coverage would give Pittsburgh a versatile presence in the secondary. Dixon’s tackling ability and willingness to engage in run defense would strengthen the Steelers’ back-end consistency.

2. Green Bay Packers
The Packers’ secondary values are intelligence and communication, both of which are strengths for Dixon. His ability to read quarterbacks and react to routes would make him effective in Green Bay’s zone-heavy defensive scheme. Dixon’s ability to tackle in space and provide support in intermediate zones would allow him to contribute immediately as a rotational safety.

3. Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens value safeties who can play with physicality and communicate effectively with the rest of the secondary. Dixon’s ability to read offenses and adjust coverage would make him a natural fit in Baltimore’s defensive backfield. His range limitations would be minimized in a scheme that emphasizes short and intermediate zone coverage.