Moving along in our 2011 49ers grades we take a look at one of the more entertaining characters on the 49ers: Anthony Dixon. Anyone who's ever seen, heard, or read anything by Dixon knows he's a light-hearted guy who loves to talk. He's been a big part of the team's great special teams, serving to help pump the guys up in addition to doing his job.
Dixon doesn't get many carries with Frank Gore and Kendall Hunter holding things down. This makes me question his role going forward, unfortunately. Gore is going to start his decline sooner than later and I personally don't see Hunter as a 20+ carry back on a regular basis.
I actually anticipate the team drafting and/or acquiring a free-agent running back this off-season, probably both for training camp depth. If they thought Dixon was more capable in the offense I think we'd have seem more than 29 carries throughout the season.
Still, his presence on special teams can't be ignored...and I hate to lose good special teamers. I do think that he could be replaced there, though, in order to find someone more able to take over for the aging Gore - splitting carries with Hunter in some form or fashion.
Below are Dixon's numbers for the season: