Iowa DT Daviyon Nixon entering 2021 NFL Draft

Nixon earned Big Ten defensive player of the year honors and, per Adam Rittenberg of ESPN, became an Outland Trophy finalist as he led the conference with 33 tackles for loss and tied for the Big Ten lead in sacks with 5.5. Nixon exits the Hawkeyes with 74 total tackles, 8.5 sacks, one forced fumble, an interception, and a touchdown for his career. 

On Dec. 17, ESPN NFL Draft guru Mel Kiper Jr. ranked Nixon 10th overall among prospects for next year's class and called the big man "one of the most dominant and disruptive players in the country in 2020." 

Kiper added, "He has some pass-rushing moves from the interior. He has a big wingspan. He's great against the run. Nixon is my new No. 1 defensive tackle." 

Last week, Chris Trapasso of CBS Sports listed Nixon as a first-round selection in his latest mock draft. Meanwhile, Charlie Campbell of Walter Football projects Nixon could fall to the second or even third round. 

"Nixon has quickness at the point of attack and an ability to close on the quarterback," Campbell wrote on Dec. 19. "Some team sources say they have given Nixon a grade of late second-, early third-round grades for the 2021 NFL Draft. They feel that Nixon has big upside to develop into a good pro."