2021 NFL Draft Profile: Tre Nixon, Wide Receiver Out of Central Florida

2021 NFL Draft: Tre Nixon Player Profile

Wide receivers taken in later rounds often not only make the team but explode onto the NFL scene, and this year, it’s Tre Nixon of UCF. If teams are looking for a prospect with quickness and agility, this may be the player they need. No, he’s not a huge name by any means. That said, contrary to popular belief, he does enter the 2021 NFL Draft with a collection of incredibly explosive plays to his name. Despite not being listed among the popular receiver picks in 2021, Nixon does boast the credentials to be successful at the NFL level. This is especially true given his work ethic and his ability to make the most of his opportunities, however limited they may prove.

Nixon started his collegiate football career at Ole Miss, where he only accrued one catch for 19 yards. He left the program following the team’s scandal and subsequently enrolled at University Central Florida. Nixon only earned two touchdowns this past season due to injuries, but he was a solid contributor over the previous two years, racking up 11 scores. In just his second season with the Golden Knights, Nixon earned an honorable mention for All-American Athletic Conference honors.

Strengths

Sleek route running;

Aggressive hands;

Plays to quarterback’s strengths;

Quick burst off the line;

Sharp body control;

Not afraid to make a contested catch.

Weaknesses

Inconsistent hands;

Ineffectual deep route running;

Concerning shoulder injury;

Undersized;

Needs to improve on in-breaking routes.

Projection Fourth Round

Bottom Line on Tre Nixon

Tre Nixon is likely to be used as a slot receiver in the NFL. That his deep route running is questionable gives teams pause when it comes to inserting him on the outside. However, he does tend to do well in short-yardage situations and will likely be a player that catches a pass for a touchdown consistently. Furthermore, his hands, while inconsistent, can get hot when they catch passes and establish a rhythm. Additionally, Nixon can come off the line quickly and use his speed to distract cornerbacks, usurping them from bigger and better targets.

Unfortunately, the shoulder injury he suffered does raise questions about his long-term health and durability, especially considering his undersized frame. His lack of strength is likely not something teams will ignore, given how receivers require extensive endurance to sustain an effective career. Nixon has mastered certain routes but needs to improve with in-breaking routes, which enable him to find himself open more consistently. Still, a team is bound to find a place for him even though he, like many young receivers, may have to start on special teams to earn his stripes. Nixon does have promise in his tape, but whoever takes him will have plenty to reshape.