Zach Lutmer

The Player

Lutmer is a versatile defensive back who predominantly lines up over the slot but also plays in the box, out wide, and at free safety. He gets to his drops, sorts through route combinations, and matches up well in underneath zone coverage. He can handle move tight ends with his length and physicality while using his footwork against twitchier slot receivers. He’s also a competitive press corner on the outside.

He doesn’t catch everything he gets his hands on, but he tracks and catches the ball like a wide receiver. His length allows him to break up passes when in phase and compete for 50-50 balls. He flashes the ability to run with receivers, although he lacks great recovery speed and can be beaten over the top when left on an island.

Lutmer is a relentless pass rusher who closes well and can shoot into the backfield from the box or slot. He recorded 5.5 tackles for loss in 2025 and does a good job of slipping and getting off blocks. Offensive linemen can overwhelm him, but he flashes good pop when engaging tight ends and receivers.

He chases with good effort and doesn’t shy away from collisions but missed too many tackles in 2025. His angles need improvement. 

Lutmer started all 13 games at the cash position in 2025, earning Iowa’s Roy Carver Most Valuable Player award for defense and Hustle Award for defense. He also earned the Team Hustle Award for special teams in 2024 and was named to the 2026 Player Council. He’s a former high school quarterback and defensive back, and his versatility, competitiveness, and football background stand out.