The Falcons were criticized by some draft experts for taking Clemson cornerback A.J. Terrell with pick No. 16 of the 2020 draft. In the second round, the team landed Auburn’s Marlon Davidson, a pick that earned a much better reception from fans and analysts.
In Touchdown Wire‘s piece examining the draft’s biggest steals, the Falcons rookie defensive lineman was one of 15 players named by Doug Farrar. Here’s an excerpt from the article:
How did Davidson last until the 47th overall pick in the second round, despite all kinds of first-round tape? At 6-foot-3 and 303 pounds, Davidson may be considered too much of a “tweener” for some teams, especially as an edge-rusher, which is what he did a lot in college. But he should do well at the next level as an undersized interior guy, best-served working between the center’s outside shoulder and the tackle’s inside shoulder. He’ll put up a ton of pressures in that role, and since he’ll be doing it for the Falcons, his chances for success are higher.
Davidson figures to battle Falcons defensive lineman Tyeler Davison for the second starting defensive tackle spot next to Grady Jarrett. At worst, he’ll provide valuable reps as a rotational DL.
It’s possible Davidson plays some defensive end as well, which as Farrar alluded to, is why some teams labeled him a “tweener” and caused his fall to the middle of the second round.
Assuming the season starts on time, Davidson, along with A.J. Terrell and Matt Hennessy should provide the team with some exciting young talent at positions of need in 2020.
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