Falcons NFL Draft Profile: Breaking down Marlon Davidson

The Atlanta Falcons got a bolster to their defensive line with Marlon Davidson in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft.

The Atlanta Falcons got a bolster to their defensive line, adding Marlon Davidson in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Davidson’s attitude, talent and athleticism make him one of the more dangerous interior rushers.

Combine/Pro Day Measurables

There aren’t any agility numbers for Davidson, but his size and straight-away speed show a man who is nasty right up front. He had a slower 10-yard split than most defensive tackles, but at 303 pounds, he should be able to utilize his power off the line to keep offensive guards off balance.

Stats

2019: 12 Games Played, 48 Tackles, 12.5 Tackles for Loss, 7.5 Sacks, 5 QB Hurries, 2 Fumbles Forced, 1 Pass Deflection

2018: 13 Games Played, 46 Tackles, 4.5 Tackles for Loss, 3.5 Sacks, 11 QB Hurries, 3 Pass Deflections, 3 Blocked Kicks

2017: 13 Games Played, 43 Tackles, 6.5 Tackles for Loss, 3.5 Sacks, 5 QB Hurries, 1 Fumble Forced, 1 Fumble Recovered, 1 Pass Deflection

2016: 13 Games Played, 38 Tackles, 6.0 Tackles for Loss, 2.5 Sacks, 6 QB Hurries, 1 Fumble Forced, 4 Pass Deflections

The new Atlanta Falcons lineman had a total of 17 sacks and 29.5 tackles for loss as one of the most productive players in college football’s interior lines. Long-term, the Falcons have drafted someone who should develop and continue to improve as he sees more time on the field. He also looks like a very durable player, not missing a single game during his college career.

Highlights

How does he fit on the field

Davidson is one of the best pass-rushing interior defensive linemen in the draft. The Falcons needed a guy to come in and partner with Grady Jarrett in nickel sets and they might have gotten the best possible player to do so. And he’s not some 270-pounder, either. Davidson is a 305-pound mauler on the interior. Just listen to him talk about why he loves football:

When a guy talks about abusing people being the reason why he loves the game of football and his film backs that all up, that’s a guy any NFL coach will love on the inside of their defensive line. The Falcons will likely use him as a base under tackle to spell Grady Jarrett there at times, but in the nickel, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Davidson be the primary rusher next to Jarrett.

Atlanta gets another player who has that “dawg” in him. The team needed a fighter up front and having a guy who can come in and dominate some of the solid guards in the NFC South will only help the pass rush. The additions of Fowler and Davidson could help the team take that next step in improving what was an underwhelming pass rush in 2019.

How does he fit the Comrade Filter?

Marlon Davidson, not Derrick Brown, was the team captain for the Auburn defense. The Falcons’ defensive front has been lacking that vocal leader and Davidson could be that guy as the team moves forward. Having someone come in as a rookie with the kind of talent and leadership that Davidson has as a second-round pick is rare.

How does he fit into the long-term plans for the Falcons?

Long-term, the Falcons should see Davidson as the primary defensive tackle next to Grady Jarrett. As he develops, the team’s interior rush ability could become one of the most dangerous in the NFL. If Jarrett can continue being a poor-man’s Aaron Donald and Davidson can turn into a rich man’s Corey Peters, the Falcons could have the interior set to dominate the NFC South.

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