Everything NFL draft fans need to know about Auburn defensive line prospect Marlon Davidson
Marlon Davidson | DL | Auburn
Elevator Pitch
A versatile defender with athleticism, size and power, Davidson is a bit of a tweener but possesses the tools to be a solid contributor, regardless of where he plays at the next level.
Vitals
Height | 6-3
Weight | 303
College Bio Page
Career Stats
Strengths
Defensive coordinators will have plenty of different ways to utilize Davidson at the next level.
While he’s packed on close to 30 pounds in his transition to the interior defensive line, Davidson can still play off the edge in a stand-up or hand-in-the-dirt role. He does a good job of setting the edge as a run defender and can also work off of blocks to make plays in space. He plays with a high motor when engaged with blockers and keeps his legs churning to try and penetrate the backfield. When slotted inside, Davidson’s athleticism for the position makes him tough for guards and centers to stop. He accelerates well off the snap and moves well laterally for someone his size. His agility allows him to be utilized on stunts, as well as pull off finesse moves like spins and swims as a pass-rusher.
The big appeal with Davidson is that he’s more powerful than most edge rushers and quicker than most interior defensive linemen. Whether you project him as a 3-tech, a 5-tech or even a pure edge rusher, he brings some sort of mismatch to the table, and that versatility should help him get on the field early on in his career. He also has some value on special teams, having blocked three kicks in 2018.
Weaknesses
As is the case with most tweener prospects, there’s some question as to where Davidson fits best at the next level. He started off his career as a 240-pound edge rusher, but has since had to put on a lot of weight to kick inside, and there are some inconsistencies in his game that show that inexperience. He’s still getting used to playing in the trenches, as his play strength hasn’t quite developed completely yet. His ability to eat up gaps against the run and hold on through blocks using his anchor strength could be improved.
Davidson’s pad level can be improved a bit, which is one of the factors affecting his lack of significant lower-body strength on tape. His overall feel and instincts as a run defender could be worked on, but that should come with spending more time and taking more reps as an interior defensive lineman.
Projection: Day 2
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