Iowa defensive back Xavier Nwankpa (1) celebrates after a NCAA Big Ten Conference football game against Wisconsin, Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. Iowa won, 24-10. 221112 Wisc Iowa Fb 003 Jpg
Xavier Nwankpa S Iowa | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
Xavier Nwankpa S Iowa
NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
| ROLE: Zone Slot/Nickel Safety | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Last Updated: 09/21/2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Draft Year: 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 40 time: 4.39 seconds (95%*) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Age: 20.10 DOB: 12/08/2003 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| ROLE: Zone Slot/Nickel Safety | |
| Last Updated: 09/21/2024 | |
| Draft Year: 2025 | |
| 40 time: 4.39 seconds (95%*) | |
| Age: 20.10 DOB: 12/08/2003 | |
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| Overall Rating: | 82.2 / 100 | |
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| Average rating of opposition Offense player has faced | ||
| Offense Rating: |
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81% |
| Click the links below to view how player ranks vs other prospects. | ||
| QB Rating When targeted: | 115.3 | |
| Tackling: |
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68% |
| Run Defense: |
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72% |
| Coverage: |
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81% |
| Zone: |
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73% |
| Man/Press: |
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80% |
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DRAFT PROJECTION:
5th
Overall Rank:
#159
Position rank:
#31
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| College Games: 24 College Snaps: 1150 | ||
ESPN RATING: 83/100
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247 RATING: 98/100
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RIVALS RATING: 6.1 (100%)
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| Player Comparison* (Similarity level) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Jaden Hicks - Washington State |
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88% |
| Dane Belton - Iowa |
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80% |
| Cole Bishop - Utah |
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79% |
Draft Profile: Bio
Xavier Nwankpa, a standout safety from the University of Iowa, has quickly risen through the ranks to become one of the most intriguing defensive prospects in college football. Born on December 8, 2003, in Pleasant Hill, Iowa, Nwankpa's journey to the top echelons of collegiate football began at Southeast Polk High School, where he showcased his exceptional ball-hawking skills with an impressive 16 interceptions over his high school career.Nwankpa's prowess on the field earned him five-star recruit status and the distinction of being the highest-rated recruit to ever commit to Iowa. His decision to stay in-state and play for the Hawkeyes speaks volumes about his character and loyalty. As a true freshman in 2022, Nwankpa saw action in all 13 games, capping off his season with a start in the Music City Bowl where he announced his arrival with a pick-six.
In his sophomore campaign, Nwankpa solidified his role as a starter, racking up 42 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, a sack, and an interception. His on-field performance, coupled with academic achievements including making the Dean's List, showcases a well-rounded athlete poised to make a significant impact at the next level.
Scouting Report: Strengths
- Possesses elite athleticism with a rare combination of size, speed, and fluidity for the safety position
- Demonstrates exceptional range and closing speed, allowing him to cover vast areas of the field effectively
- Showcases superb ball skills and instincts
- Exhibits versatility to play multiple safety roles, including single-high, two-high, and in-the-box assignments
- Displays excellent football IQ and processing speed, quickly diagnosing plays and reacting appropriately
- Demonstrates strong tackling ability, consistently wrapping up and driving through ball carriers
- Shows natural leadership qualities and a strong work ethic both on and off the field
- Has proven durability, playing in every game since joining the Hawkeyes' program
Scouting Report: Weaknesses
- Still developing consistency in man coverage techniques, occasionally struggling with quick-twitch receivers
- Can improve angles taken in run support, sometimes allowing cutback lanes for ball carriers
- Needs to refine his ability to shed blocks when playing closer to the line of scrimmage
- Could benefit from added upper body strength to better compete against tight ends in coverage
- Still gaining experience reading complex offensive schemes at the collegiate level
Scouting Report: Summary
Looking ahead to his NFL prospects, Nwankpa projects as a versatile safety with the potential to make an immediate impact in various defensive schemes. His rare combination of size, speed, and instincts makes him an attractive option for teams seeking a playmaker in the secondary. Nwankpa's ability to play both deep and in the box will allow defensive coordinators to deploy him in multiple ways, creating mismatches and confusion for opposing offenses.While he may need some time to adjust to the speed and complexity of NFL offenses, Nwankpa's football IQ and work ethic suggest a quick learning curve. His experience in Iowa's pro-style defense will serve him well as he transitions to the next level. Teams running split-safety looks or those in need of a rangy single-high safety will likely have Nwankpa high on their draft boards.
As he continues to refine his technique and build on his already impressive skillset, Nwankpa has the potential to develop into a Pro Bowl-caliber safety in the NFL. His combination of physical tools, football acumen, and character make him one of the most intriguing defensive prospects in the upcoming draft class.
Written By:
K.C. Martinez (Big Ten)
How other scouting services rate Xavier Nwankpa (Overall Rank)
All Scouts AverageOverall Rank
113.6
All Scouts AveragePosition Rank
28.0
*Percentile Ranking in Player's Position Group (NFL Combine Historical Data): This percentile reflects how a player's specific statistics rank
in comparison to historical performances at the NFL Combine, specifically within their position group. A higher percentile indicates a better performance.
For instance, being in the 90th percentile for a particular stat means the player outperformed 90% of their peers in that category.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.