Carl Davis 
Iowa, DT
Height: 6.4
Weight: 318
Age: N/A
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Athleticism: C
A better straight line mover than a functional athlete. Has flashes of quickness out of his stance, but lateral movement is less than adequate and is slow to turn his hips around. Has short area burst, but maxes out quickly. Range in pursuit is marginal and doesn’t make plays outside of the tackle box. Was not asked to drop into coverage during film watched.
Pass Rush: C
A better pass rusher than his large frame would suggest. Is reliant on his first step to create pressure and pass rush hinges on his athletic ability. Shows the quickness and proper angles to free up teammates in the “U game.” Bull rush stalls out often and won’t regularly collapse the pocket. Pads will rise as a pass rusher than negate his power. Can disengage with his rip move, but spin move is too methodical and ineffective. Doesn’t get his hands into passing lanes often enough.
Run Defense: A-
An effective run defender who could contribute right away in this phase. Flashes the quickness to shoot gaps and put pressure on the backfield. Anchors well in run game and is difficult to move off of his spot. Able to stack the line, but needs to shed with more urgency. Will take on blocks with the wrong shoulder. Would have more tackles if he could disengage and reach off of blocks better.
Technique: C+
Plays with very good leverage off the snap and maximizes his considerable power base against the run. Pads will rise when he gets fatigued as with most players, however. A developing hand fighter who flashes a jolting punch in his hands, but doesn’t quite have the desired hand quickness.
Intangibles: C-
Effort and motor come into question when watching him play, particularly in pursuit. Rarely chases the play beyond a superficial jog. Has shown the ability to make plays outside of the box on tape, just fails to do so with any regularity. Instincts appear to be fine on tape.
Red Flags: Minor Durability Concerns
Bottom Line: After a strong performance in the Senior Bowl, some have been lauding Carl Davis as a probable first round selection in April. However, given Davis’s above average impact on tape despite inconsistent, his Senior Bowl performance comes as no surprise, as he had an incentive to give it his all and raise his “draft stock.” However, this only reinforces the fact that he is inconsistent during the season and that what you see on tape is probably what you will get with Davis. However, his ability to anchor versus the run as one-technique and versatility to spell as a three-technique or nose guard should see him at least be drafted on day two.
Comparison: Shamar Stephen
Grade: 8.6 (2nd Round)
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