Ed Dickson

Dickson has played defensive end, wide receiver and was a key contributor on special teams before breaking out as a tight end in 2008. Dickson averaged 14.5 yards per reception as a junior, earning second-team all-Pac-10 accolades. He improved to first-team honors as a senior, catching 42 passes for 551 yards and six scores. Dixon leaves as Oregon's all-time receiving leader at the position with 124 catches for 1,557 yards and 12 scores. He possesses the hands and speed of a receiver with a solid 6-5, 240-pound frame. Dickson won't provide his future NFL team with much as a blocker, but should fit right in with the new emphasis clubs are placing on matchup nightmares who can stretch defenses down the seam.

after the catch

Good run-after-catch ability. Can elude defenders in space and accelerates quickly for the position. Flashes some elusiveness due to lateral quickness and has the straight-line speed to gain yardage in chunks if allowed into the open field.

route running

Good straight-line speed to challenge the seam. Good agility and balance to gain separation as a route-runner. Athletic upside in this area, but isn't asked to run many pro-style routes in this offense and will need refinement at the next level. Too often gets lazy and rounds off his routes.

intangibles

Versatile athlete has been a significant contributor on special teams. One of the strongest tight ends in Oregon history. Only the second tight end at the school to bench press 400 pounds, he also tied for the second all-time power clean mark for the position (341).

nfl comparison

Dante Rosario, Panthers

hands

Good hands and can turn and pluck the ball out of the air quickly and outside of his frame. Good underneath target that can make the grab in traffic. Can take a hit and keep the ball secure.

release

Good initial quickness at the snap. Shows athleticism and is developing the technique to gain a free release off the line and get into his route quickly. Flashes good agility and a strong stiff-arm to work free at the line of scrimmage, but needs to be more consistent in this area as he is too often slowed to the point where his quarterback skips Dickson in his read progression.

blocking

Shows nice initial pop at the line of scrimmage, but needs to develop more strength and better use of hands/leverage to sustain. Takes poor angles as a run blocker at the line and delivers mostly glancing blows downfield.

High School (Coach): Bellflower (Brian Mustang) 2005. The SuperPrep All-American was ranked as the nation's No. 6 prep tight end prospect, as well as the top player at his position in the Western United States. The four-year starter led the Buccaneers in receiving and quarterback sacks, recording 28 catches for six touchdowns and over 400 yards his senior year to earn CIF Southern Section Southeast/South Coast Lineman-of-the- Year plaudits from the L.A. Times. His 54 tackles included 10 QB sacks, as he also blocked one field goal and punted the football 11 times (five inside the 20-yard line) for a 45.4-yard average. Included were five receptions for 72 yards in the 2004 season opener vs. Pacifica and three catches (two TDs) for 90 yards against Norwalk. The first-team all-Suburban League selection on both sides of the football also was named Best in the West honorable mention tight end/linebacker by the Long Beach Press-Telegram.

Born Edward James Dickson on July 25, 1987 in Inglewood, Calif. Parent: Rena Dickson. Family: Two sisters. Major: Political Science.