Zach Lutmer S Iowa |
NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
| Jersey: #6 ROLE: Zone Free Safety | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Last Updated: 11/03/2026 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Draft Year: 2027 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| FORTY time: 4.44 seconds (88%*) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Age: 21.11 DOB: 11/05/2004 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Jersey: #6 | |
| ROLE: Zone Free Safety | |
| Last Updated: 11/03/2026 | |
| Draft Year: 2027 | |
| Forty time: 4.44 seconds (88%*) | |
| Age: 21.11 DOB: 11/05/2004 | |
| Overall Rating: |
84.8 / 100
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| Average rating of opposition Offense player has faced | ||
| Offense Rating: |
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74% |
| Click the links below to view how player ranks vs other prospects. | ||
| QB Rating When targeted: | 78.1 | |
| Tackling: |
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71% |
| Run Defense: |
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83% |
| Coverage: |
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75% |
| Zone: |
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72% |
| Man/Press: |
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71% |
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DRAFT PROJECTION:
3rd
Overall Rank:
#73
Position rank:
#11 (DB)
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| College Games: 31 College Snaps: 1284 | ||
ESPN RATING: 74/100
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247 RATING: 86/100
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RIVALS RATING: 5.6 (92%)
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| Player Comparison* (Similarity level) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Isaiah Nwokobia - SMU |
|
92% |
| Cole Bishop - Utah |
|
91% |
| Lathan Ransom - Ohio State |
|
86% |
Draft Profile: Bio
Zach Lutmer played quarterback and defensive back at Central Lyon High School in Rock Rapids, Iowa, earning Class 2A player of the year honors as a sophomore, when he threw for 1,194 yards and ran for 1,609 yards and 23 touchdowns. He ran for 1,562 yards and 22 touchdowns as a senior and won a state title, and he committed to Iowa one day after it offered.Lutmer played in two games as a redshirt in 2023 and in all 13 in 2024, intercepting a pass. He moved into the lineup in 2025, starting all 13 games at the cash position, Iowa's hybrid nickel, and making 71 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, a sack and three interceptions, including a 34-yard pick-six against Minnesota. He was a second-team All-Big Ten pick by the coaches and Iowa's defensive MVP, and the Hawkeyes beat Vanderbilt in the ReliaQuest Bowl. He returned for 2026, saying he did not think he was personally ready for the NFL.
Lutmer was a preseason second-team All-American by The Sporting News and a Lott IMPACT Trophy quarterfinalist. He made double-digit tackles in the comeback win at Michigan, against Ohio State and at Minnesota, and he forced a fumble in the 30-0 win over Wisconsin. He has started every game for a 6-2 team, and defensive coordinator Phil Parker has said good things happen when he is consistent.
Scouting Report: Strengths
- Versatile defender who plays nickel, safety and in the box
- Three interceptions in 2025, including a pick-six against Minnesota
- Physical run defender who made double-digit tackles in three Big Ten games this season
- Effective blitzer from the slot, with 5.5 tackles for loss in 2025
- Former high school quarterback who reads routes and the quarterback's eyes
- Forced a fumble in the win over Wisconsin
Scouting Report: Weaknesses
- Missed 10 tackles this season after 15 in 2025
- No interceptions through eight games this season after three in 2025
- Tested by speed when asked to cover outside in man
- Gives up catches underneath from off alignment in the slot
Scouting Report: Summary
Lutmer is a versatile, physical defensive back who has played nickel, safety and in the box for Iowa. He started all 13 games at the cash position in 2025, intercepting three passes, returning one for a touchdown, and adding 5.5 tackles for loss as a blitzer, and he was Iowa's defensive MVP. As a former high school quarterback, he reads routes well and plays with the instincts that Iowa's defense demands. He also intercepted a pass as a reserve in 2024.His 2026 season has been built on volume. He made double-digit tackles in the comeback win at Michigan, against Ohio State and at Minnesota, forced a fumble against Wisconsin and has started every game for a 6-2 team. He has allowed 12 catches on 18 targets, and Phil Parker has said good things happen when he plays with consistency. His busiest day came at Michigan, where he played 73 snaps in a 20-19 comeback win.
However, the tackling finish remains a problem. He missed 15 tackles in 2025 and has missed 10 more this season, and he has no interceptions through eight games after three in 2025. He can be tested by speed when he is asked to cover outside in man, and he gives up catches underneath from off alignment, which pushes him toward a sub-package role rather than an every-down outside job. Washington completed all three passes thrown his way.
Overall, Lutmer is an attacking nickel who sets the edge, blitzes well and finds the ball, and his versatility will appeal to defenses that move their defensive backs around. He projects as a third-round safety or nickel with the ceiling of a three-down starter if the tackling tightens and the floor of a special teams contributor. His blitzing and run support also give him value on early downs, and his quarterback background helps him diagnose plays quickly.
How other scouting services rate Zach Lutmer (Overall Rank)
All Scouts AverageOverall Rank
58.3
All Scouts AveragePosition Rank
11.0
*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.