Baltimore Ravens Must Get Kenneth Dixon The Ball

Kenneth Dixon was the most underrated pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. The record breaking running back has to get a shot in his rookie season:

At Louisiana Tech, Kenneth Dixon broke records. He had a 99 yard run that was the longest play in NCAA history. He holds the record for the most touchdowns by a freshman in the NCAA. In four seasons at LT, Dixon rushed for 4,483 yards and scored 72 touchdowns on the ground. He scored 15 touchdowns as a receiver.

If Dixon had gone to Alabama, or Ohio State he would have been selected much earlier than the fourth round. We’re talking about a running back who can do it all. He is a mismatch waiting to happen, on an inevitable track to stardom. He was drafted in the fourth round, and has gone mostly under the radar.

The problem is that Dixon may not get enough touches in his rookie year. John Harbaugh prefers veteran running backs. Rookies have to build trust with Harbaugh. Dixon’s 13 collegiate fumbles mean he is on a short leash. Ray Rice had to wait behind Willis McGahee in the running back pecking order. Dixon will likely have to wait behind Justin Forsett.

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Dixon may take some time to develop anyway. The Ravens offense is all about timing and patience. These are two skills that Dixon has to learn. Forsett happens to be the perfect running back for the Ravens. He’s not overly flashy. Forsett allows the offensive line to give him a choice and he doesn’t hesitate to pick the right path. There is a certain nuance to it.

Buck Allen is also a player competing for snaps. Allen got chances to prove himself in his rookie season. Allen made some big plays and at times he dazzled us. Allen only got the bulk of his touches because Forsett broke his arm. Allen took advantage of a rare spot for Baltimore’s rookie rushers.

Dixon has to get the football. He will make plays. In the open field, Dixon is next to impossible to catch. Dixon is the most explosive runner in this draft not named Ezekiel Elliott or Derrick Henry.

John Harbaugh faces a slight dilemma. Dixon may be the most talented back he has. Harbaugh is notorious for making rookie rushers earn their snaps. The question becomes, how many big plays could you have, when Dixon is on the bench?

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Dixon is a big time play-maker. He may not come from a big time College Football program. He may need to grow up a bit as an NFL player. He may not be one hundred percent ready to be amazing. However he is the most talented running back the Ravens have, and that is surely saying something.

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