Xavier Nwankpa NFL Draft 2025: Scouting Report for Iowa S

HEIGHT: 6'2"

WEIGHT: 215

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POSITIVES

— Excellent length and size. Has the frame to add more weight and hold up well in the box.

— Versatile player who can play at all 3 levels of the defense but does his best work when playing closer to the line of scrimmage.

— Physical and aggressive player who shows to have very good functional strength. Looks for contact with offensive linemen and has the power to knock them back.

— Secure tackler who shows the willingness to front up ball-carriers in the hole and run his feet through contact.

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NEGATIVES

— Slower reaction to the run at times. Doesn't trigger as quickly as he can due to inconsistent eye discipline.

— Not a big banger for his size. Though he's strong and physical, he often looks to catch and absorb blows. He doesn't throw his body around or deliver big blows.

— Ridgid backpedal and tight hips when playing deep in coverage. Lacks the fluidity to cover twitchier receivers on an island. He can also lose track of threats in underneath coverage, due to his below average vision and propensity to stare at the quarterback.

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2024 STATISTICS

— 13 Games, 41 Tackles, 1 PBU

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NOTES

— Born Dec. 8, 2003

— Games Started: 23

— 5-Star recruit in the 2022 class, per 247Sports

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OVERALL

Xavier Nwankpa is a versatile safety prospect with excellent size and length, fitting well as a box safety with the ability to add weight. His physical playstyle and willingness to engage with offensive linemen make him an intriguing defender near the line of scrimmage. Though he needs refinement in his reaction time and coverage skills, Nwankpa's motor and functional strength set him apart.

Nwankpa is best suited for roles closer to the line of scrimmage, as his tight hips and rigid backpedal hinder his effectiveness in deeper coverage. He can struggle to stay with twitchier receivers, often losing track of threats underneath. His vision and eye discipline in zone coverage need improvement, as he tends to stare down quarterbacks. However, his length and strength allow him to contribute when defending shorter routes and helping in the box.

Nwankpa thrives as a run defender. He is aggressive in the box, consistently engaging with offensive linemen and demonstrating the strength to shed blocks. His secure tackling technique is another highlight, as he fronts up ball-carriers and drives through contact. However, his slower reaction time and inconsistent eye discipline in diagnosing run plays can lead to delayed triggers.

Xavier Nwankpa projects as a mid-round pick with the potential to be a role player, particularly as a box safety. His physicality and secure tackling make him valuable in run support, but his limitations in coverage and reaction speed may limit his ceiling at the next level.

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GRADE: 6.8 (Potential Role Player — 4th Round)

OVERALL RANK: 148

POSITION RANK: S13

PRO COMPARISON: Grant Delpit

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Written by B/R NFL Scout Cory Giddings

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Prospect workout numbers, measurables (40-yard dash, hand size, etc.) and 2024 statistics will be added at a later date.