Former walk-on Ben Nikkel earned NFL looks with toughness, special-teams impact, and Pro Day explosiveness
Ben Nikkel’s value goes beyond box-score stats: at Iowa State he grew from former walk-on to reliable DB and special-teams weapon, finishing 2024 with 40 tackles, eight special-teams stops, and a blocked-punt recovery against TCU. He stood out at Big 12 Pro Day with strong explosiveness metrics, which helped him get a shot with Washington, and that profile suggests a high-effort, physically mature defensive back who can help on coverage units immediately. If your team wants a gritty, coachable depth piece with upside on special teams, he fits.
