SAF 40
Xavier Nwankpa
Iowa
Height: 6'2 1/4"
Weight: 208 lbs
Class: Senior
Report by:
Dan Essien
Measurables
Physical
Height
6'2 1/4"
Weight
208 lbs
Arm Length
30 3/4 in
Hand Size
8 1/4 in
Speed & Agility
40-Time
4.48 s
10-Yard-Split
1.62 s
Explosiveness
Vertical
37.5 in
Traits
defense
Big Hitter
Trait Prototype: Kam Chancellor
defense
Omni DB
Trait Prototype: Tyrann Mathieu
defense
Rangey
Trait Prototype: Kyle Hamilton
defense
Box Disruptor
Trait Prototype: Bob Sanders
Summary
Strengths
Plays with force and urgency.
Good, physical tackler. Always quickly comes to balance before striking.
Excels in underneath coverage.
Ideal man cover against TE's.
Weaknesses
Shorter arms lead to some missed arm tackles when reaching.
Struggles to work through or around blockers.
Lacks awareness in deeper coverage.
Final Report
Xavier Nwankpa is a big safety out of Iowa. Nwankpa in 2025 had 76 total tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 1 interception, and 2 forced fumbles. Nwankpa has been a solid contributor in the Iowa defense since his freshman season and has been a starter for the last 3 seasons. Nwankpa is a physically imposing safety at 6'2" and 208 lbs. His testing also confirmed some of the explosiveness he showed on tape. Nwankpa is a good run defender. He's not afraid to provide run support and seems to love throwing his weight around in the box. Nwankpa doesn't always have the best angles to the ball carrier but when the path is clearer, he does a good job of attacking aggressively, breaking down, and striking. Nwankpa does miss some tackles due to over-pursuit or the aforementioned bad angles. When given an easy assignment like a blitz or clear run read, though, he's a heat seeking missile towards the ball carrier. In coverage, Nwankpa is decent but didn't have as much of an impact for Iowa in terms of production. He'll do his job but as a deep safety he can struggle at times with his assessment of threats. Nwankpa is better in coverage underneath. He's does a good job as a robber dropping into middle of the field passing lanes. He also does a great job cleaning up check downs in the flat when assigned there. In man coverage, Nwankpa is fantastic against tight ends because of his size and athleticism. He's also good in man against RB's out of the backfield. He could struggle against better slot receivers. Nwankpa projects best as a hybrid safety and/or a big nickel in the NFL. His tackling ability and willingness along with adequate athleticism make him an ideal target on day 3. He'll probably play a supporting role defense and a starring role on special teams to start. Long term I believe he can work his way into more playing time and eventually a starting role.