2023 NFL draft: WR Derius Davis could be next UDFA star for Steelers

The Steelers need an impact player in the return game.

Last season, the Pittsburgh Steelers won the undrafted free agency lottery when they signed running back Jaylen Warren. By midseason, Warren because a perfect pairing with Najee Harris in the backfield and asserted himself as a legitimate offensive weapon.

This season, the Steelers could strike gold again with an undrafted free agent signing if they went after former TCU WR Derius Davis.

Davis checks in at a diminutive 5-foot-8 and 165 pounds and he maximizes his skills. Davis is lightning fast and gets up to speed in just a few steps. He wastes almost no energy when he has the football in his hands and has elite agility. But it is that sprinter speed and ability to impact the return game that should entice the Steelers.

In his career at TCU, Davis had five punt return touchdowns and is a natural and fluid return man. Davis ran a 4.36-second 40-yard dash and shows every bit of that speed in pads.

Davis’ draft stock takes a hit because of his size and because he was primarily a gadget player on offense at TCU. This makes him a perfect fit for the Steelers and offensive Matt Canada who always thinks he’s the smartest guy in the rook on his trick plays.