The Indianapolis Colts signed free agent Raekwon Davis this offseason. He is a defensive tackle who spent all four years of his NFL career with the Miami Dolphins. As Davis looks to make Indianapolis his new home, this signing could make a big impact. He signed a two-year deal worth $14M which is a solid signing considering his potential.
The Colts also re-signed two playmakers on the defensive line during free agency. Veteran tackle, Grover Stewart re-signed with a $39M contract extension, and veteran defensive end Tyquan Lewis re-signed to a $12M contract extension. Coupling these two re-signs with DeForest Buckner, Kwity Paye, and rookie Laiatu Latu was already a big step. However, Raekwon Davis’s impact could be a dark horse.
How Raekwon Davis Can Impact the Colts’ Defense
His Career Thus Far
Raekwon Davis came into the league in 2020 after being drafted by the Miami Dolphins from the University of Alabama. His sophomore year is what put his name out there as a standout college athlete. Through 14 games, he finished with 69 total tackles, 10 tackles for loss, eight sacks, and one interception. His eight sacks ranked fifth in the SEC and his total assisted tackles of 45 ranked 10th in the SEC.
Aside from his college career, he did make a splash early in his NFL career. As a rookie, Davis made the 2020 NFL All-Rookie Team. Also in his rookie season, in which he started 12 games, he put up his career-best, 40 total tackles. In his four years and 48 starts, he has 59 solo tackles, five tackles for loss, 10 quarterback hits, and two sacks. As a primary run-stuffer, Davis is not a playmaker that puts up explosive numbers. However, he is productive at being a disrupter at the line and a complimentary depth piece.
Last season with the Dolphins, he only started seven games. There were talks that he might get an extension from them, but when he was on the free agent market, the Colts bit. Seeing how Davis has played throughout his career thus far, it is evident that the Colts believe that he can contribute to their already-stacked defensive line.
His Potential on the Defense
The two primary interior starters on the defensive line are DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart. With that, where does that leave Raekwon Davis? It is not expected for him to be a primary starter for the Colts. However, he could be a key depth piece moving forward. This is an asset that was deeply missed last season.
Last season, Grover Stewart was suspended six games for violating the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing drugs. Within those six games, the Colts struggled against the run. In the two immediate games following his suspension, Indy gave up a combined 311 yards on the ground and six touchdowns on the ground. In the games that followed, Indy gave up an average of 151.5 yards per game on the ground.
Needless to say, not having someone who can step in and step up to fill a much-needed void was a killer for the Colts. Going into 2024, they are hoping not to have that problem again. With the talent and skill set that Davis possesses, the hope is that he can be that depth piece who can step in and step up when called upon. This will be the primary role of Davis in this defense. Again, he is not going to be a primary starter but will be a key depth piece and contributor. That is why this free-agent signing will have a big impact on the Colts.
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