Overview
Position: Wide Receiver
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 213 pounds
School: Western Michigan Broncos
Corey Davis 2017 NFL Draft Profile
When Corey Davis was a high school football player in Wheaton , IL, big time college football recruiters weren’t beating down his door. But Western Michigan saw something out of the 6’3” wide receiver that made them offer him a full scholarship to play football in Kalamazoo. The Broncos coaching staff’s instincts paid off. Davis became not only their top wide receiver, but one of the top players at the position in the nation.
During his time at WMU, Davis put up elite stats for the Broncos offense. During his four seasons, Davis averaged 83 receptions with 1,320 receiving yards and 13 receiving touchdowns. Davis dominated the MAC conference during his four seasons with Western Michigan. He utilized his 6’3” frame to dominate opposing cornerbacks along with his catching ability.
Even with the tangibles that NFL scouts drool over, there is still some question about Davis’ speed. Although he dominated a lesser conference, there is still some question about how fast Davis actually is. Those questions were going to be answered at this year’s NFL scouting combine, but he suffered an ankle injury while training. It was reported that the injury was serious enough that he had to have a procedure performed to repair it. Although minor, it will prevent him from participating at this year’s combine. The injury, along with playing in a lower level conference, might cause Davis to slip in the draft.
Daniel Parlegreco from DTPScout has Davis ranked as the number three wide receiver in this year’s draft behind Clemson’s Mike Williams and Washington’s John Ross.
Strengths
- does a great job gaining yards after the catch (YAC).
- is a load for a receiver, which makes it difficult for defenders to make tackles against him.
- Put up elite numbers, even playing in the MAC, the numbers are too good to overlook.
- Consistent production over a four year span, even with opposing defenses targeting him.
- He is a hands catcher, doesn’t allow the ball into his body.
- Understands how to use his big frame to gain position against defenders.
- When facing an elite defense, which he faced when Western Michigan faced Wisconsin in the Cotton Bowl, he produced by catching six passes for 73 yards and a touchdown.
Weaknesses
- Played lower level competition in the MAC while at Western Michigan
- Although it seemed that he had top end speed in college, it is hard to fully gauge
- Offseason ankle injury will cast some doubt on Davis’ durability and prevent him from participating in Combine.
NFL Comparison: Julio Jones
Teams with Need at Position:
Tennessee Titans, Kansas City Chiefs, Minnesota Vikings, Cleveland Browns, Arizona Cardinals, Philadelphia Eagles, Buffalo Bills
Bottom Line
Although many will question how legitimate Davis’ numbers were while at Western Michigan, the production doesn’t lie. Davis wasn’t just a big fish playing in a small pond, he is a truly gifted wide receiver, no matter what level he plays at. It might take him a season to get adjusted to the NFL game, but still, he will be a factor in some team’s offense.
The NFL’s passing offense is all about big gifted wide receivers and that is what Davis is. It would be shocking if Davis gets past the Arizona Cardinals who own the 13th overall pick, but if he does, don’t expect him to slide too far. His ability is too good to pass up.
