Pro Day: Daviyon Nixon DT Iowa

[calicowboy54]

This is a guy that I’ve liked since the start of the pre-draft process. He’s got good size for a 3T and is a real athlete at DT. Also, I like Iowa players. They’re tough, hard nosed, no-nonsense guys who are usually smart and well coached. Iowa has a good program there and they do a good job with their strength and conditioning. Their players typically perform well at the next level.

Daviyon Nixon:

6031, 313 lbs.

4.90 forty

4.70 shuttle

28.5" vertical

8' 10" broad jump

7.68 three-cone
—————————-

Some comparisons to recent DT’s.

Leonard Williams:

6050, 302 lbs.

4.97 forty

4.53 shuttle

29.5” vertical

8’ 3”broad jump

7.59 three-cone
—————————

Quinnen Williams:

6030, 303 lbs.

4.83 forty

N/A shuttle

30.5” vertical

9’ 3”broad jump

N/A three-cone
—————————

A’Shawn Robinson:

6040, 307 lbs.

5.20 forty

4.74 shuttle

26.0” vertical

8’ 3”broad jump

7.80 three-cone
—————————

Muhammad Wilkerson:

6040, 315 lbs.

4.96 forty

4.59 shuttle

26.0” vertical

8’ 3”broad jump

7.31 three-cone
—————————

Dalvin Tomlinson:

6030, 310 lbs.

5.19 forty

4.59p shuttle

27.0” - vertical

9’1”broad jump

7.68 three-cone
—————————

He has been my DT1 since January. If Dallas could get him at 44 I’d be thrilled. He isn’t just a good athlete... he is a very smart football player that understands the game and is still getting better.

Big 10 defensive player of the year and showed up in every game this season. One of my favorite players at a position that I’d like to draft.

To compare to other players, just go here and type in the players name in the search:

https://www.mockdraftable.com/player/dalvin-tomlinson

don’t get me wrong. i think he’s an upgrade over hill and on par with gallimore , but i think front office is looking more for nt/1t than a 3 tech. i’d love to have him but i think the coaching staff will pass.

 

[Creeper]

No bench, I've that he needs to get stronger in the upper body.

I get concerned when linemen on either side of the ball don't do the bench press. Are they injured? have shoulder problems? or are they weak and don't want to be exposed? I like guys like Ben Cleveland who go into the bench press looking to break the record of 49 reps - even though he didn't get anywhere near that number.

 

[morasp]

I get concerned when linemen on either side of the ball don't do the bench press. Are they injured? have shoulder problems? or are they weak and don't want to be exposed? I like guys like Ben Cleveland who go into the bench press looking to break the record of 49 reps - even though he didn't get anywhere near that number.

Here's what Zierlein said "He appears to have much more functional strength in his lower body than upper body and has trouble controlling blockers at the point of attack with hand work and shed quickness."

 

[cowboyec]

i love this cat.
he'd be a helluva pick in the 2nd.
and he can bring his teammate...ot alaric jackson with him.
just bring both their hawkeye ***** down to Dallas.
please and thank you.

 

[cowboyec]

a third hawkeye i like is de chauncy golston.

 

[Mannix]

He will be gone by the time we draft in the 2nd....so forget about trying to steal him in the 3rd....the guy is a freak, and a steal in the 2nd!!!

 

[waving monkey]

Here's what Zierlein said "He appears to have much more functional strength in his lower body than upper body and has trouble controlling blockers at the point of attack with hand work and shed quickness."

germane

 

[Cowboyny]

This is a guy that I’ve liked since the start of the pre-draft process. He’s got good size for a 3T and is a real athlete at DT. Also, I like Iowa players. They’re tough, hard nosed, no-nonsense guys who are usually smart and well coached. Iowa has a good program there and they do a good job with their strength and conditioning. Their players typically perform well at the next level.

Daviyon Nixon:

6031, 313 lbs.

4.90 forty

4.70 shuttle

28.5" vertical

8' 10" broad jump

7.68 three-cone
—————————-

Some comparisons to recent DT’s.

Leonard Williams:

6050, 302 lbs.

4.97 forty

4.53 shuttle

29.5” vertical

8’ 3”broad jump

7.59 three-cone
—————————

Quinnen Williams:

6030, 303 lbs.

4.83 forty

N/A shuttle

30.5” vertical

9’ 3”broad jump

N/A three-cone
—————————

A’Shawn Robinson:

6040, 307 lbs.

5.20 forty

4.74 shuttle

26.0” vertical

8’ 3”broad jump

7.80 three-cone
—————————

Muhammad Wilkerson:

6040, 315 lbs.

4.96 forty

4.59 shuttle

26.0” vertical

8’ 3”broad jump

7.31 three-cone
—————————

Dalvin Tomlinson:

6030, 310 lbs.

5.19 forty

4.59p shuttle

27.0” - vertical

9’1”broad jump

7.68 three-cone
—————————

He has been my DT1 since January. If Dallas could get him at 44 I’d be thrilled. He isn’t just a good athlete... he is a very smart football player that understands the game and is still getting better.

Big 10 defensive player of the year and showed up in every game this season. One of my favorite players at a position that I’d like to draft.

To compare to other players, just go here and type in the players name in the search:

https://www.mockdraftable.com/player/dalvin-tomlinson

From Draft Ace:
Redshirt-sophomore who also spent a year in JUCO and has only one year of starting experience in 2020. Used as an interior pass-rush specialist in 2019. Flashes high-level potential when he can win with speed, but struggles when more physical interior o-linemen get their hands on him. Never able to string together a series of strong games. High ceiling as a three-tech but also a very low floor and probably isn't ready to contribute as a rookie.

 

[AsthmaField]

From Draft Ace:
Redshirt-sophomore who also spent a year in JUCO and has only one year of starting experience in 2020. Used as an interior pass-rush specialist in 2019. Flashes high-level potential when he can win with speed, but struggles when more physical interior o-linemen get their hands on him. Never able to string together a series of strong games. High ceiling as a three-tech but also a very low floor and probably isn't ready to contribute as a rookie.

From The Draft Network:
Enjoying a booming season in 2020, Nixon burst onto the scene as an NFL draft prospect after a relatively quiet redshirt sophomore season with the Hawkeyes in 2019. A JUCO transfer, Nixon is a third-year Hawkeye who has left a significant mark on the 2020 season against every team he crossed. Nixon has good length, violent and urgent hands, and the athletic ability to parlay his strong season into a starting role at the NFL level

They say that he left a significant mark on the 2020 season against every team he crossed. So they felt like he did string together a series of strong games.

There are others that felt his 2020 Big 10 player of the year award was earned with a strong 2020 season.

Having said that, I do know that he isn’t a first round pick. He does need some upper body strength added and Many places do say that he’s not a finished product. He’s still ascending after a Juco year and skipping his senior season. His final season at Iowa was really good though and it was evident that he was starting to put it all together.

And he played well enough in juco to be offered many scholarships to big schools including Nick Saban at Alabama as well as Iowa.

on all of these draft websites you can go site-to-site and find some who really like one player and some where they don’t. After reading many of them and watching Nixon play, speaking for myself, I really like him as a prospect and would use a second round pick on him. When you watch him you can see that he needs a little upper body strength but it doesn’t stand out. His lower body does stand out as it is really strong.

Mainly though, I like his (growing) understanding of football. His angles are good, he clearly has a feel for leverage and he make some instinctive plays that a lot of still young DL won’t. He finds the ball and has a feel for the position IMO.

I understand some may not like him as a prospect... but I sure do. I think he’s going to be a really good player.

 

[Cowboyny]

From The Draft Network:
Enjoying a booming season in 2020, Nixon burst onto the scene as an NFL draft prospect after a relatively quiet redshirt sophomore season with the Hawkeyes in 2019. A JUCO transfer, Nixon is a third-year Hawkeye who has left a significant mark on the 2020 season against every team he crossed. Nixon has good length, violent and urgent hands, and the athletic ability to parlay his strong season into a starting role at the NFL level

They say that he left a significant mark on the 2020 season against every team he crossed. So they felt like he did string together a series of strong games.

There are others that felt his 2020 Big 10 player of the year award was earned with a strong 2020 season.

Having said that, I do know that he isn’t a first round pick. He does need some upper body strength added and Many places do say that he’s not a finished product. He’s still ascending after a Juco year and skipping his senior season. His final season at Iowa was really good though and it was evident that he was starting to put it all together.

And he played well enough in juco to be offered many scholarships to big schools including Nick Saban at Alabama as well as Iowa.

on all of these draft websites you can go site-to-site and find some who really like one player and some where they don’t. After reading many of them and watching Nixon play, speaking for myself, I really like him as a prospect and would use a second round pick on him. When you watch him you can see that he needs a little upper body strength but it doesn’t stand out. His lower body does stand out as it is really strong.

Mainly though, I like his (growing) understanding of football. His angles are good, he clearly has a feel for leverage and he make some instinctive plays that a lot of still young DL won’t. He finds the ball and has a feel for the position IMO.

I understand some may not like him as a prospect... but I sure do. I think he’s going to be a really good player.

There seems to be a wide range of opinions. Some love him, others think he is more of a developmental guy. Think he is there at 44, but don’t think he’s on our radar, they love that small school guy Milton Williams, rather take Nixon myself

 

[AsthmaField]

There seems to be a wide range of opinions. Some love him, others think he is more of a developmental guy. Think he is there at 44, but don’t think he’s on our radar, they love that small school guy Milton Williams, rather take Nixon myself

Yeah, like most prospects, some like and some don’t.

I’ve been liking Onwuzurike more and more as we get closer to the draft. If you want a disruptive 3T that can win one-on-one battles... he might be just the guy you want.

I have no idea how the team views him but I would be sorely tempted if he’s there at 44. Talk about giving some explosion and athleticism to your interior pass rush.

For all I know the team may look at Hill and Gallimore and think they’re set at 3T.

 

[Malhavoc]

Yeah, like most prospects, some like and some don’t.

I’ve been liking Onwuzurike more and more as we get closer to the draft. If you want a disruptive 3T that can win one-on-one battles... he might be just the guy you want.

I have no idea how the team views him but I would be sorely tempted if he’s there at 44. Talk about giving some explosion and athleticism to your interior pass rush.

For all I know the team may look at Hill and Gallimore and think they’re set at 3T.

I’m not sure what we have in Hill but Gallimore looks promising. Onwuzurike may be best combo guy available in round 2. Doesn’t have the size but is pretty stout as a run defender.

 

[AsthmaField]

I’m not sure what we have in Hill but Gallimore looks promising. Onwuzurike may be best combo guy available in round 2. Doesn’t have the size but is pretty stout as a run defender.

Yeah, he’s very active. He would play in the nickel for sure.

 

[Cowboyny]

Yeah, like most prospects, some like and some don’t.

I’ve been liking Onwuzurike more and more as we get closer to the draft. If you want a disruptive 3T that can win one-on-one battles... he might be just the guy you want.

I have no idea how the team views him but I would be sorely tempted if he’s there at 44. Talk about giving some explosion and athleticism to your interior pass rush.

For all I know the team may look at Hill and Gallimore and think they’re set at 3T.

I think Onwizurike has a chance to go ahead of Barmore. With the recent report, he appears the Cowboys are in love with Milton:

“I mentioned the player, Milton Williams, of Louisiana Tech just a little bit earlier. I know that the Cowboys love him. I’m told that they’re going to send upwards of a half a dozen scouts to the Louisiana Tech pro day to watch him tomorrow. Eric Gleason, Happy St. Patrick’s Day, and remember the name of Milton Williams as we come to draft weekend Day 2 for the Dallas Cowboys.” Tony Pauline

 

[kskboys]

I think Onwizurike has a chance to go ahead of Barmore. With the recent report, he appears the Cowboys are in love with Milton:

“I mentioned the player, Milton Williams, of Louisiana Tech just a little bit earlier. I know that the Cowboys love him. I’m told that they’re going to send upwards of a half a dozen scouts to the Louisiana Tech pro day to watch him tomorrow. Eric Gleason, Happy St. Patrick’s Day, and remember the name of Milton Williams as we come to draft weekend Day 2 for the Dallas Cowboys.” Tony Pauline

Williams is a Crawford clone. More of a backup type. 6th or 7th? Sure, why not.

 

[kskboys]

I’m not sure what we have in Hill but Gallimore looks promising. Onwuzurike may be best combo guy available in round 2. Doesn’t have the size but is pretty stout as a run defender.

Too stiff and doesn't anchor well.

 

[AsthmaField]

I think Onwizurike has a chance to go ahead of Barmore. With the recent report, he appears the Cowboys are in love with Milton:

“I mentioned the player, Milton Williams, of Louisiana Tech just a little bit earlier. I know that the Cowboys love him. I’m told that they’re going to send upwards of a half a dozen scouts to the Louisiana Tech pro day to watch him tomorrow. Eric Gleason, Happy St. Patrick’s Day, and remember the name of Milton Williams as we come to draft weekend Day 2 for the Dallas Cowboys.” Tony Pauline

I knew they liked him but I didn’t know they were that big on him.

Have you heard anything about what round they’re looking to take him in? I have figured 3rd but I really don’t know.

 

[kskboys]

I’m not sure what we have in Hill but Gallimore looks promising. Onwuzurike may be best combo guy available in round 2. Doesn’t have the size but is pretty stout as a run defender.

I knew they liked him but I didn’t know they were that big on him.

Have you heard anything about what round they’re looking to take him in? I have figured 3rd but I really don’t know.

Huge mistake. This dude reminds me of Jeremy Mincey or George Selvie. Nice motor and all, but skillset relegates him to more of a rotational role.

 

[AsthmaField]

Too stiff and doesn't anchor well.

Where are you hearing those things about him?

Here is what The Draft Network is saying about him. I’ve found that they’re better than a lot of places and hit closer to how NFL teams actually view these players. They aren’t the end-all be-all on prospects but they’re better than most.

Anyway, they say:


Levi Onwuzurike aligns as an interior defensive line prospect. He has excellent overall athleticism and demonstrates good body quickness as a pass rusher. The way he plays with exceptional leverage helps him to excel as a run defender. As a result, he is extremely difficult to single block. He is disciplined with his technique to maintain gap control. He demonstrates the toughness and emotional endurance to play in the trenches every snap.

Ideal Role: This player is an eventual starting NFL defensive lineman.

Scheme Fit: He’s an ideal fit as an interior player in a 4-3, but could also gain weight and play in an odd front.

https://thedraftnetwork.com/player/levi-onwuzurike/u36D0Hxbpy

The bolded part parallels with what I’ve seen when I have watched Onwuzurike play. He doesn’t seem stiff to me at all in comparison to other DT’s either. The guy plays the run well for his size.

If you’re talking about anchoring against double teams, then No he probably doesn’t, but he won’t be asked to do so.

 

[Cowboyny]

I knew they liked him but I didn’t know they were that big on him.

Have you heard anything about what round they’re looking to take him in? I have figured 3rd but I really don’t know.

While Dallas has Williams highly graded, the question is how early in the draft would they select him? Word leaving the workout was the Bengals will seriously consider Williams at the top of the third round with the 69th selection, which is six picks before the Cowboys pick in round three. They may take him at 44, knowing he might not be there at 75 or trade up in the 2nd rd.