Johnnie Dixon didn't get selected in the NFL draft, but he'll still get a chance to compete for an NFL roster spot as an undrafted free agent.
The former Ohio State wide receiver told Eleven Warriors he struck a deal to sign with the Houston Texans as an undrafted free agent shortly after the draft concluded on Saturday.
After battling knee injuries for his first three years at Ohio State, Dixon finished his career strong, catching 60 passes for 1,091 yards and 16 touchdowns in his final two seasons as a Buckeye. Dixon was also impressive in his workouts leading up to the draft, running a 4.41-second 40-yard dash and catching everything that he came his way at Ohio State's pro day.
Now, he will look to overcome adversity once again as an undrafted free agent and prove that he belongs in the NFL.
Former Ohio State offensive lineman Malcolm Pridgeon also agreed to sign with the Houston Texans as an undrafted free agent.
The Texans showed significant interest in Dixon leading up to the draft, bringing him in for a team visit and conducting a private workout with he and fellow former Ohio State wide receiver Terry McLaurin (who the Redskins drafted), so it's no surprise to see him land in Houston.
The Texans did not select any wide receivers in this year's draft, and don't have many established playmakers at the position behind DeAndre Hopkins, Will Fuller and Keke Coutee, so Dixon should have a real shot to earn a spot on the roster as a backup receiver. He also played regularly on special teams at Ohio State, which is crucial for an undrafted free agent trying to make a team and could ultimately propel him ahead of other roster hopefuls for the fourth or fifth on the Texans' receiver depth chart.
According to Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle, Dixon's deal with the Texans includes a $40,000 base salary guarantee and a $10,000 signing bonus – money they would not give to Dixon if they did not believe he was good enough to have a chance to make their roster.
