Iowa IDL Daviyon Nixon becoming intriguing 2021 NFL Draft prospect

Iowa defensive tackle Daviyon Nixon is coming out of nowhere and becoming an exciting 2021 NFL Draft prospect.

There is not much to be excited about when it comes to the 0-2 Iowa football team. The Hawkeyes have lost back-to-back close games and may be in for a long season. That being said, junior defensive tackle Daviyon Nixon is playing at an extremely high level and needs to be taken seriously as a potential gem in the 2021 NFL Draft class.

In the Hawkeyes’ 21-20 loss to Northwestern on Saturday, Nixon piled up 11 total tackles (three for loss) and 1.5 sacks. Through two games, Nixon now has 18 total tackles (5.5 for loss) and two sacks. He has been able to create consistent pressure as an interior pass rusher and has been a force against the run. Nixon has not only put up big numbers for a defensive tackle, he has been a disruptive force in the middle of the field on a consistent basis.

The 2020 season is Nixon’s second year with the Hawkeyes and his first as a full-time player. He appeared in all 13 games for Iowa last season but was on the short side of the defensive tackle rotation. Now with his expanded snap count, Nixon has become a star in the middle of the Iowa defense.

JUCO star had a big-time offer.

Before arriving at Iowa, Nixon spent his first year in college at the JUCO level, starring on the Iowa Western defensive line. The Hawkeyes showed a ton of interest in Nixon early in the recruiting process but had a scare when Alabama came in and offered him late. Nixon obviously ended up committing to Iowa, but an offer from Alabama is impressive and helps establish him as a high-level player.

The 6-foot-3, 305-pound Nixon is quick off of the ball and shows impressive natural power at the point of attack. He is a ridiculously strong defensive lineman who can sink in and control two-gap responsibility, but really shines when he is allowed to pin his ears back and attack. Nixon’s combination of quickness and power is impressive and gives him a ton of upside as a penetrating interior defensive lineman at the next level.

Nixon still has a year left of eligibility so he may not even enter the 2021 NFL Draft. However, if he continues to pile up big numbers, sticking around would not make much sense. Nixon is an extremely talented prospect who we should undoubtedly be keeping an eye on going forward.