:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69310555/usa_today_13293005.0.jpg)
At this point, it’s well-known that Mickey Loomis likes to find depth for the New Orleans Saints in undrafted free agency. Even though, like every GM, he misses more than he hits in UDFA, he’s a big proponent of giving players a chance. Nick Underhill recently went through and found that over the past five years, the Saints have signed 99 UDFAs, good for tied sixth in the league.
The Saints should add another to their ranks, local wide receiver Dai’Jean Dixon. Dixon, who played at Nicholls State University, broke school career records in receptions, touchdowns and yards. While Nicholls didn’t play last year due to COVID-19, Dixon played in all of their 2021 Spring games.
Dixon is listed at 6 feet 4 inches and 200 pounds. While he may not dominate at the NFL level, the potential is there to be one of the undrafted rotational wide receivers the Saints have come to love.
The @Nicholls_FB New Orleans connection @ChaseFourcade ➡️ Dai’Jean Dixon, ties things up at 14.pic.twitter.com/pIJFdDt1Rb
— Garland Gillen (@garlandgillen) November 22, 2019
The reality is that the Saints need help at wide receiver. With Michael Thomas starting, the next men up are Tre’Quan Smith and Marquez Callaway. While you can do worse, it wouldn’t hurt to have some bodies in camp to help push the competition, and a local talent like Dixon could garner some excitement.
Whether Jameis Winston or Taysom Hill are throwing for the Saints next year, they need someone to throw the ball to. Even if Dixon is only brought on as a training camp player, his ability to high point deep balls, make catches in traffic and play over the middle would be invaluable in the Saints offense.
He needs to work on creating space early in routes, route running and decisiveness, but it’s worth finding out if he can.
The Saints depth chart at receiver is sparse, and it’s late in the game to trade for anyone. Taking a flyer on the local Dixon is one of the few options they have at this point, as he’s one of the best UDFA wide receivers remaining.
Make sure you follow Canal Street Chronicles on Twitter at @SaintsCSC, “Like” us on Facebook at Canal Street Chronicles, and make sure you’re subscribed to our new YouTube channel.