Xander Echols Scouting Report: Long Snapper, Idaho Vandals

School: Idaho
Previous School: UAB
Position: LS
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 220 lbs
Class: Redshirt Senior (Draft Eligible 2026)
Hometown: Chelsea, Alabama

Background

Xander Echols is a veteran long snapper who began his career at UAB before transferring to Idaho. With years of starting experience at both the FBS and FCS levels, he has seen live action in a variety of situations. Echols is draft-eligible in 2026 and is a name to watch for NFL teams in search of a reliable, game-tested long snapper.

Strengths

  • Consistency and Poise: Echols has appeared in 14 games for Idaho and previously held the starting job at UAB. His experience shows — he rarely makes mental mistakes and executes with confidence.
  • Snap Mechanics & Speed: On film, Echols displays a compact, balanced stance with quick hands and a clean release. Verified .68–.70 snap speed puts him right in the NFL benchmark range (0.65–0.75).
  • Under Pressure: In game tape against live rushes, he maintains mechanics and delivers clean snaps even when pressure is bearing down.
  • Coverage Effort: After snapping, Echols shows urgency in getting downfield, shedding blocks, and attempting to contribute in coverage. He has the athletic awareness to add value beyond just the snap.
  • Adaptability: The transition from UAB to Idaho highlights his ability to adjust to new coaching staffs and systems quickly.

Areas for Improvement

  • Size Profile: At 5’11”, 220 lbs, Echols is slightly undersized compared to elite NFL long snappers. He’ll need to lean on leverage and technical precision.

Film Review

  • Snap Accuracy: Ball consistently reaches punter/kicker in strike zone with clean spin. Placement is steady across multiple games.
  • Velocity & Release: Verified .68–.70 snap time confirms quick release and NFL-caliber speed.
  • Blocking & Physicality: Engages rushers effectively post-snap. Leverages compact build to hold ground before releasing into coverage.
  • Downfield Ability: Shows hustle after snapping; fluid enough to get into lanes. Would benefit from further development in tackling fundamentals and coverage discipline.
  • Situational Awareness: No visible mental errors on film. Communicates pre-snap, adjusts to shifts, and executes cleanly in pressure scenarios.

Projection

Best Fit: NFL special teams units seeking a dependable long snapper with immediate readiness. Echols brings experience, clean mechanics, and the maturity of a multi-year starter.

Ceiling: Late Day 3 selection if teams value proven .68–.70 snap speed with consistent mechanics.
Floor: Priority UDFA with strong chance to earn a roster spot due to reliability.

Player Comparison

Xander Echols’ game most closely resembles Morgan Cox (Tennessee Titans) during his early career with the Baltimore Ravens. Like Cox, Echols has a compact build, technically sound mechanics, and the mental steadiness that coaches value in a specialist. He also shows flashes of Rick Lovato (Philadelphia Eagles) with his quick release and ability to contribute in coverage, though he’ll need to prove that consistency over a full season.

Summary

Xander Echols is a technically sound, experienced long snapper who thrives on consistency and composure. His mechanics and reliability are NFL-caliber, and with verified .68–.70 snap speed, he has proven he can meet professional benchmarks. To maximize his draft stock, Echols will need to continue proving his coverage ability while maintaining his snap consistency. He projects as a strong UDFA candidate with the upside to earn a roster spot and potentially lock down a long-term role at the next level.

Final Thoughts

Long snappers don’t often get the spotlight, but Echols has the traits to carve out a professional career. His verified snap velocity, consistency, and clean mechanics already mirror what NFL coaches demand. If he continues refining his coverage skills, Xander Echols has the chance to go from overlooked specialist to a trusted fixture on an NFL roster.