Dennis Dixon SELECTED BY: Pittsburgh Steelers Round 5(21)

SI Grade 3.45 GRADING SYSTEM

BIOGRAPHY: Two-year starter who also saw action with the first team as a sophomore. PAC 10 Offensive Player of the Year as a senior after passing totals of 67.7%/2136/20/4 and 105/583/9 on the ground. Played in 10 games before being sidelined with a knee injury. Junior-year passing totals included 61.2%/2143/12/14. Drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in 2003.

POSITIVES: Tall, slender passer who displayed a large degree of improvement last season. Strong-armed signal-caller with a quick release and the ability to zip outs and drive the long throw. Sells ball fakes, patient in the pocket, and effectively leads the offense. Scans the field searching for the open wideout and has the ability to pick up yardage with his legs.

NEGATIVES: Throws with poor mechanics and inaccurate in placing his passes. Forces the ball into covered receivers and waits on the timing passes.

ANALYSIS: Dixon pulled together a fine senior campaign, yet he is far from being a complete quarterback. He will need a lot of development before he is ready to compete in the NFL. He should be given an opportunity at quarterback, yet he may ultimately wind up playing a different position.

PROJECTION: Early Fifth Round