Why the Slide: Daviyon Nixon

[kungfoodude]

https://walterfootball.com/ws2021dnixon.php

During the leadup to the 2021 NFL Draft, Daviyon Nixon (6-3, 305) was a consensus second-day prospect, but he ended up falling all the way to Round 5. Nixon started out his career in the junior college ranks before landing at Iowa, and after some developmental time with the Hawkeyes, he grew into a force for them, fitting right in with the program's continued tradition of good defensive line prospects for the NFL. In 2019 as a rotational backup, Nixon made the most of his limited opportunities with three sacks and 29 tackles. He became a full-time starter for 2020 and produced an excellent season despite fewer games in which to impress. The junior totaled 45 tackles with 5.5 sacks, one forced fumble, and an interception returned 71 yards for a touchdown on the year. He then declared for the 2021 NFL Draft rather than return for his senior year.

In speaking to team sources, there were major character concerns with Nixon that sunk his draft grade. Some teams had dropped him from their boards because of his character issues, and the feedback from the Iowa staff was not positive. Nixon is going to have make some serious changes with his off-the-field habits in order to stick in the NFL and avoid suspensions.

The Panthers ended Nixon's fall in the fifth round, and they were a perfect landing spot for him. After releasing veteran Kawann Short this offseason, Carolina needed a three-technique and interior pass rusher to go next to powerful nose tackle Derrick Brown. The Panthers did not draft another player at the position or sign a veteran, so Nixon is in a prime position to receive early playing time and compete to be a starter immediately. With Brown on one side and dynamic edge rusher Brian Burns on the other, Nixon should see phenomenal looks with single-block situations from opponents sending double teams at Burns or Brown. If Nixon can get clean up his off-the-field life, and work hard to be a good pro, he has the potential to be a steal for the Panthers in the fifth round and the skill set to be a good starter in the NFL.
 

[Pup McBarky]

This is why you build a culture. 

[Ricky Spanish]

Welp...

Hope he isn't a complete dumbass off the field so he can stay on it. 

[kungfoodude]

1 minute ago, Ricky Spanish said:

Welp...

Hope he isn't a complete dumbass off the field so he can stay on it. 

Honestly, he's a fifth round pick. If he is a dumbass and gets booted, we aren't out much. 

[Captain Morgan]

Rhule doesn't seem to be scared off by these kind of issues, and Nixon is not the only one we drafted who has them.

Looks like Rhule thinks his process is a good path to better decisions, and of course he talks to all these kids before drafting them.  Let's hope for the best, for the players and the team.

[rayzor]

11 minutes ago, Pup McBarky said:

This is why you build a culture. 

Culture influences character.

[Peppers90 NC]

Heard him interview on the radio the other day. Sounded like a good kid, he admitted to having poor grades in high school which led him to JC immediately after. I’m excited we are giving him an opportunity.

[jtm]

I’m pulling for him but lots of money doesn’t typically improve character. 

[LinvilleGorge]

There had to be something. Hopefully he works out. Robby Anderson was a self admitted complete knucklehead and he figured it out. Wouldn't surprise me if Rhule already has Robby in his ear.

[Ricky Spanish]

@Verge did you hear anything about why he fell to the 5th?

[kungfoodude]

25 minutes ago, LinvilleGorge said:

There had to be something. Hopefully he works out. Robby Anderson was a self admitted complete knucklehead and he figured it out. Wouldn't surprise me if Rhule already has Robby in his ear.

These guys are young. Dumb comes with that.

[Snake]

Low risk high reward.

[Khyber53]

Sorry for not knowing, but what exactly were his character issues? There are character issues and then there are character ISSUES, yanno?

 

[Castavar]

I just like that we actually have a GM and organization that finally takes chances on these types of players. Hurney and Richardson would have NEVER. Yeah, most of the time they don't work out, but sometimes  they do (Tyreek Hill) and you get a steal in the later rounds.