Deshaun Davis

[PAjwPhilly]

(05-15-2019, 09:00 AM)Sled21 Wrote: What's the consensus opinion of this guy? I know the knock on him was his height, but being undersized was also a knock on Bush. 3 year starter at MLB in the SEC, All SEC Team. Pratt is getting all the press, but could this be one of our 6th rd. sleepers?

Per NFL Draft Prospects... (https://www.nfl.com/prospects/deshaun-davis?id=32194441-5638-7019-8819-a6fd3e0eaa86)

"Slightly undersized inside linebacker whose strength and toughness might be overshadowed by his athletic and speed limitations. Davis loves to swap greetings as a downhill run defender, but when the play flows wide or when he's forced to drop into space his effectiveness drops off sharply. With his limitations, his roster spot might be tied to scheme fit and special teams performance."

It seems like he is a good straight forward gap filler and tackler. 

However the bigger knocks on him are...

Mediocre instincts and lack of burst allow blockers to find him too easily
Struggles to maneuver through box traffic efficiently
Poor speed to range, chase and finish
Sitting duck waiting to be exploited by passing attacks

The 40-yard dash times are an old school stat. And they are more valuable for open field runners. But just comparing his 20 yard shuttle (the only comparable speed/acceleration combine stat) with other LBs...

Devin White 4.17
Devin Bush 4.23
Germaine Pratt xxx
Sione Takitaki 4.28 (3rd 17th)
Cody Barton 4.03 (3rd 25th)
Deshaun Davis 4.38
Fun fact: Andre Dillard, OT...4.4 (1st, 22nd)