Daviyon Nixon

School: Iowa

Position: IDL

Height: 6’3″

Weight: 304 lbs

Strengths:

Daviyon Nixon is a IDL out of Iowa who has ideal size for his position. He projects as a 3 technique in the NFL or a potential big end, considering his athleticism. Nixon is an athletic freak, as displayed against Michigan State in 2020. Nixon is also famous for his 71 yard interception that he returned for a touchdown, displaying a speed factor that most players his size lack. His burst and get off is superb, and then uses quick feet with a strong motor to push interior offensive lineman towards the QB. Nixon is able to use his hands well, but most of his production and movement comes thru his legs and lower body. Nixon is special considering he has a strong balance of both run stopping and pass rush ability.

Weaknesses:

Nixon is a fine player, but he has room to improve. His main concern, is his pad level. Nixon plays too high at times, leading to him being tangled up in blocks, in plays where he could have easily blown by the lineman. Nixon also lacks a true and fully developed rush arsenal. He has also played 1 truly exceptional year in college, which was 2020. He lacks experience that some other IDL’s provide going to the pro level.

Overall Assessment:

Daviyon Nixon should be a solid every down defensive lineman heading into the NFL. He has very few flaws in his game, and should be an instant plug and play in a 4 man front. In college he was used as a 1 tech and/or 2i, however, his size and athletic ability warrants a 3 tech or even big end role at the pro level. Nixon combines strength, with great lower body abilities, and solid hand movements to apply pressure to the QB and stop the run. With that being said, Nixon has only showed this level of talent through one season, and still must work on his pad level in order to prevent being removed from the play completely. If Nixon falls in the proper scheme, a 4-3 defense, in which he can play 3 tech, and works on his technique, I expect him to be an All-Pro player at the next level.

Pro Comp: Sheldon Richardson

Scheme Fit: 4-3 under/over 3 tech

Pick Projection: Early to late Day 2

Team Fits: SEA, HOU, TEN

Grade: 8.0/10

TO REMAIN UPDATED ON OUR DRAFT CONTENT, MAKE SURE YOU FOLLOW OUR INSTAGRAM PAGE