2021 Raiders Draft Prospect: DT Daviyon Nixon

2021 Raiders Draft Prospect
Name: Daviyon Nixon
Position: DT
School: Iowa
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 305 pounds
Stats

Pass Rush-3

If Nixon applies the entire toolbox, teams will face a problem. Now, let’s focus on the swim and the rip. Nixon’s swim is tight and quick. In a single fluid motion, he’s already beaten the guard. The timing of the move coincides with beating the guard off the snap. Before the hands raise, the move is half over. The rip shows the potential of becoming a great tool in the repertoire. As of right now, the rush foundation is strong. Maybe add a sturdier bullrush.

Speed-4

Despite his 305-pound frame, the prospect accelerates well in space. Whether it’s on a screen or getting home, an explosion appears at the ready. Long strides become stronger ones in space. Nixon runs with a purpose, using a little wasted movement as possible.

Agility-4

From the snap, he beats the interior linemen out of their stances. After that, the battle swings in his favor. Nixon uses the full arsenal here. As mentioned, the quick swim becomes a weapon that easily defeats the block. The ability to win with his hands becomes an immediate problem. Additionally, Nixon keeps his feet, avoiding the cut.

Strength-3

While blessed with an array of tools, Nixon needs to improve his strength. Not extraordinarily, but adding extra power gives him another layer to his game. Guards won’t sit back and naturally assume that Nixon will automatically rely on quickness.

Tackling-3

Granted, Nixon does not present as a hitter. However, with his twitch, he will cause more fumbles at the next level. From the technical side, the prospect corrals and drags the ballcarrier to the turf. In the NFL, the back will play stronger. As a result, the prospect must adjust.

Run Stopping-4

On rush downs, Nixon alters his hand placement and method of attack. While still active, he shoots the gap under control, avoiding flying by the running back. Instead, the Iowa product either envelopes the back or forces him into a teammate.

Intangibles-3

While you can measure athletic traits, no measure exists for the ability to combine the tools in meaningful gameplay. Watching Combine warriors that fail at the next level feels like a perennial tradition. However, with Nixon, he plays to his athletic level. The film bears witness to a disruptive tackle that will affect both the run and pass.

Raiders Fit

The 2020 Las Vegas Raiders accomplished nothing noteworthy in the interior of their defense. Looking at the film, in concert with the stats tells this story. For example, Kendal Vickers led the team in sacks with two. Granted, sacks aren’t the definitive trait for tackle production.  With Nixon, the Raiders get their three-technique, day one starter. Slotting him next to a massive nose will allow freedom on the interior. Slashing through the smallest gaps plays right into his forte. The Raiders, under Gus Bradley, will play a great deal of zone with no blitzing. As a result, disruptive tackles like Nixon become crucial to long-term success. Vegas has a divisional rival that wins and strives to stay on top.

Points: 24/28