Cowboys 7-round 2024 mock draft: Filling holes and spreading the wealth

Round 6, Pick 216: CB Johnny Dixon

Cornerback is a low-key need in Dallas because aside from the top-3 CBs on the roster, things get scarry in Dallas very quickly. Since no one wants Nahshon Wright or Eric Scott jumping into a starting role without first proving they belong, adding another body to the mix is important.

Johnny Dixon, a 5-foot-11, 180-pound senior isn’t physically imposing. His 29-inch arms (12th percentile) and 72-inch wingspan (32nd percentile) isn’t a Will McClay benchmark. But the kid can play football and in the sixth round, football players is what teams are looking for.

On tape, Dixon scores average across the board. Projected best as a slot CB, Dixon is a nickel back with some leading man tendencies. He’s physical without having imposing traits. It will likely lead to flags and some growing pains. His draft profile reads like Jourdan Lewis’ in many ways because his feisty levels are off-the-charts even if his game might not be.

Dixon is a good player who may be able to fight for CB4 role as a rookie. He has what Wright and Scott don’t have and that’s smooth hips and good change of direction ability. Even if he’s a run and chase player (like many slot CBs are), he has value if he can stay close and make things tough in coverage.