Overview
Position: Linebacker
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 238 pounds
School: Florida Gators
Jarrad Davis 2017 NFL Draft Profile
Jarrad Davis came in from Kingsland, GA with some questionable expectations. He was a three-star recruit out of high school. Davis was the 30th ranked linebacker in the country and the 30th rated player in the state of Georgia. However, with a shining career for the Florida Gators, Davis may find his way into being in the top 30 picks of the NFL Draft.
Davis saw snaps in all four of seasons with the Gators. As a freshman, he was a special teams leader and was voted MVP of the unit. He appeared in seven games on defense as well. Davis started one game in his first two seasons, but 47 tackles with a forced fumble in 15 appearances.
In Davis’ junior season, he finally was able to start and showed how underrated he was as a high school recruit. Davis started in every game. He finished that year with 94 tackles, 11 for loss and 3.5 sacks to go with four pass deflections and a forced fumble. It was enough to have him named second team All-SEC. After that breakout junior year, Davis was a preseason All-American entering his senior season. He ended up dealing with a lower leg injury that resulted in him missing four games. Still, he compiled 60 tackles, six for loss and two sacks.
His reputation, along with being the team leader in tackles with just nine games played had him back on the All-SEC team. He also earned second team All-American honors for putting up the great career he did. Davis came back from his injury to play in the SEC championship. However, he did skip the team’s bowl game. Is he healthy and ready to roll into the 2017 season, and if so, is he a first round status player?
Strengths
- Has great speed;
- Downhill runner who gains momentum;
- Loves to shoot the gap and blow plays up;
- Can run sideline to sideline;
- Has good body movement in coverage;
- Good closing speed.
Weaknesses
- Over-pursues at times;
- Follows his instincts which can burn him;
- Struggles with screens, counters, and misdirection;
- Might need to put on some muscle in the NFL.
NFL Comparison: Ryan Shazier
Teams with needs at position: Tennessee Titans, Cincinnati Bengals, New Orleans Saints, Arizona Cardinals, Indianapolis Colts, Washington Redskins, Detroit Lions, Miami Dolphins, New York Giants, Oakland Raiders, Houston Texans, Kansas City Chiefs, Green Bay Packers, New England Patriots
Projection: First round
Bottom Line
Davis may not check in as great of an athlete as Shazier, but he profiles just as well. Both would have come into the NFL a bit undersized in the old days, but in the nickel driven league we are in, both are a perfect size. Davis plays fast, like Shazier, and is looking to make the big game changing play.
However, for both, it can leave them out of place and out of the play. At the same time, it can result in the big five-yard loss or the game-changing strip sack. Davis has the acumen and instincts to be a game changing type of player in the NFL. He loves to run downhill, and with his speed, momentum is created and turned into power when stuffing the run. He also has the loose hips, and shifty feet to drop into coverage and hang with tight ends.
Davis has some ironing of his game to do, but his floor is a lower end starter in the league. He brings upside with it, and it would be no surprise to see Davis climb into the first round as the draft season goes on.
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