Xavier Nwankpa

NFL Draft Profile: Xavier Nwankpa

Position: Safety | School: Iowa | Class: Senior

Height: 6'2" | Weight: 213 lbs | Archetype: Versatile Safety / Robber

College Career Summary

Xavier Nwankpa arrived at Iowa as the highest-rated recruit of the Kirk Ferentz era, a local five-star prospect with immense expectations. He flashed immediately as a true freshman, returning an interception for a touchdown in his first career start at the Music City Bowl. Throughout his career, he operated as a Swiss Army knife in Phil Parker’s elite defensive scheme, oscillating between strong and free safety.

The 2025 season was Nwankpa’s "click" year. After navigating the ups and downs of his sophomore and junior campaigns, he found a new level of physicality. He became a more consistent tackler and a vocal leader, eventually earning Third-Team All-Big Ten honors. He leaves Iowa with 35 career starts, nearly 180 total tackles, and a reputation as a big-bodied safety who can play both in the alley and over the top.

Highlight Career Stats:

• Games Played: 40+ (35 Starts)

• Total Tackles: 176 (69 in 2025)

• Tackles For Loss (TFL): 4.0 (1.0 in 2025)

• Interceptions: 4 (1 in 2025)

• Forced Fumbles: 2 (Both in 2025)

• Pass Breakups (PD): 6 (Career)

2025 Season Game-by-Game Grades

Opponent	Stats	Grade	Key Performance Note
vs. Albany	3 Tkl	B	Solid opener; limited opportunities to impact the ball.
@ Iowa State	7 Tkl	B-	High tackle volume but struggled with some pursuit angles.
vs. UMass	1 Tkl	B	Played clean in limited snaps; Iowa dominated early.
@ Rutgers	7 Tkl	B+	Leadership. Directed the secondary well against tempo.
vs. Indiana	6 Tkl, 1 QBH	B	Active near the line; disciplined in zone drops.
@ Wisconsin	3 Tkl	C+	One of his quieter games; appeared a step slow on breaks.
vs. Penn State	10 Tkl, 1 INT, 1 FF	A+	Star Impact. Career game. Pick and FF led to win.
vs. Minnesota	6 Tkl	B+	High Motor. Led team in tackles; physical in run support.
vs. Oregon	8 Tkl	B	Mental Toughness. Battled elite speed; sure-handed tackling.
@ USC	8 Tkl, 1 FF	A-	Hit Power. Forced second career fumble in a physical loss.
vs. Michigan St.	5 Tkl, 1.0 TFL	B+	Play Recognition. Clinical in diagnosing the ground game.
@ Nebraska	5 Tkl	B	Finished the regular season with high effort and discipline.

Scouting Report

Strengths

• Prototypical Size & Frame: At 6'2" and 213 lbs, he has the build of a modern NFL safety. He looks like he was "built in a lab" for the position.

• Physicality & Hit Power: In 2025, he found his "edge." He triggers downhill with bad intentions and is a clinical wrap-up tackler when he squares up.

• Versatility: He is comfortable playing as a deep-half safety, a "robber" in the middle of the field, or as a box defender against the run.

• Special Teams Value: He earned coaches' awards for his willingness and impact on core special teams units.

Weaknesses

• Hip Fluidity: He can be somewhat "stiff" in his transitions. Twitchy NFL slot receivers may cause him issues if he is isolated in 1v1 man coverage.

• Over-Aggression: He sometimes bites on play-action or eye manipulation from the quarterback, leaving his zone exposed behind him.

• Top-End Speed: While fast enough for the NFL, he isn't a "burner." He relies more on his Play Recognition than pure recovery speed to close gaps.

Scheme Fit: Ideal Strong Safety / Robber in a Zone-Heavy system (e.g., Colts, Vikings, or Packers).

NFL Comparison: Justin Simmons (Free Agent/Broncos)

Scout’s Final Word & Projection

Intangibles: 18/20 | Physical Tools: 19/20 | Attributes: 17/20 | Athleticism: 17/20 | IQ: 18/20

Final Grade: 89/100

Xavier Nwankpa is a high-ceiling prospect who is finally playing the brand of football that matched his five-star billing. His 2025 tape, particularly against Penn State and USC, shows a player who can be a tone-setter at the next level. While he has some technical stiffness to iron out in his backpedal, his size and tackling reliability are exactly what NFL defensive coordinators seek in a starting strong safety. He has the potential to be a 10-year pro and a defensive centerpiece.

Draft Projection: 2nd - 3rd Round