Raekwon Davis, DT, Alabama
At 6-foot-7, 312 pounds, Davis returned for his senior season where he had a slight decline in his numbers and his play. There is no question that Davis possesses the physical traits that coaches and scouts dream of, the question is whether he can take those physical traits and turn them into on field production . He finished his 2019 campaign with 47 tackles, three tackles for loss, and a half sack.
What the experts say:
Draft Network: Raekwon Davis is a Day 2 draft prospect for a team looking for a two-gapping run defender who can move all across the defensive line. Davis is smart and gap-sound, rarely losing leverage or failing to get into the appropriate position to make a play on the football. Davis is not lacking for linear explosiveness, but his inability to keep his pads down as a pass rusher, along with his underdeveloped moves as a rusher, lead to a low ceiling as a three-down player. Certain NFL teams will love Davis’ fundamental play and athletic upside, but he’s a low-impact pass-rusher in a league that’s further devaluing that role.
Walter Football: In the ground game, Davis is a tough defender. He is very stout at the point of attack. When runs come downhill at him, he is able to anchor and hold his ground. He also shows the strength to shed and tackle. Routinely, Davis bulls his way into the backfield to blow up runs and reset the line of scrimmage. His lateral anchor is truly excellent for a college player, as he can’t be moved at the point of attack. Davis is exceptionally strong to take on double-team bump blocks and hold his ground when getting hit from the side. Davis’ put-together body combined with his speed and athleticism make him almost impossible to move out of his gap or keep him quiet in run defense. He is an excellent run-defense prospect for the NFL.
NFL: Rugged and powerful with elite physical traits, Davis has the ability to impose his will on opponents and dominate at the point of attack. He plays long and strong with rare leverage for a taller player and holds positioning against double teams for linebackers to flow freely. He was all over the backfield in 2017, but hasn’t made nearly as many plays — against the run or pass — since then. Despite possessing unique traits and the potential to dominate, his upside could be a moving target based upon maturity level and continued growth as a rusher. He should be a first-round pick who can come in and start right away for an odd or even front defense.
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