The Green Bay Packers must use the 2020 NFL Draft to provide the finishing touches on a team that won 13 regular-season games and got within one game of the Super Bowl during Matt LaFleur’s first season as head coach.
Between now and the draft, Packers Wire will periodically break down one top prospect fitting the Packers’ roster needs.
Up next is Alabama defensive lineman Raekwon Davis:
What he can do
– Crazy length. 6-6 with almost 34″ arms. Uses length to keep offensive linemen at bay and rip away from blocks. Ideal frame for playing five technique
– It’s pretty when he gets his arms extended, sheds a block with power and makes a play
– Experienced handling two gaps in run defense and anchoring against double teams. Can hold up offensive linemen, find the ball and make the tackle, although consistency here is an issue
– Teams will fall in love with his sophomore tape. Tallied 8.5 sacks and 10 tackles for losses and came up huge in big games late. Had a sack in each of Alabama’s playoff games
– Not explosive off the ball but creates late separation from blockers in the run game and as a rusher
– Little to no bend to his game. Edge-rushing probably isn’t in his toolbox. Looks a little awkward on stunts
– Never looks truly dominant on film despite size and tools. Production fell off a cliff over final two years of college career
– Best pass-rushing move is a rip and swim move that can be deadly. Just doesn’t show up enough
– Long arms capable of batting down passes and affecting passing windows, although actual production here is limited
– Motor is good. Chases down plays and pursues the football on most snaps
– Hands are huge (11″) and powerful. If he lands the first strike it’s all over for the lineman in front of him
– Performance against LSU in 2019 showed limitations. Non-factor against top offense
How he fits
The Packers need some power and run-stopping ability next to Kenny Clark along the defensive line. Acquiring a legitimate five-technique would be a step in the right direction. Dean Lowry and Tyler Lancaster both struggled for long stretches next to Clark in 2019, culminating in a disastrous effort in San Francisco in the NFC title game. Davis would provide a big, powerful force capable of shedding and eating blocks, both in two- and three-man fronts. His early career production as a rusher suggests there’s some untapped potential there, too.
NFL comp
Chris Jones is the easy comparison based on body type, but Jones is much quicker and explosive. His best comp is probably Nazair Jones, a third-round pick in 2017 who brings similar length and power to the table. Lance Zierlein, one of Davis’ biggest fans, compared him to DeForest Buckner.
Where Packers could get him
It will only take one team to fall in love with Davis’ sophomore tape and his overall combination of size and power. Big guys go early, so it wouldn’t be hugely surprising if someone took a chance late in the first round. Daniel Jeremiah doesn’t have him in his top 50 players, so there’s also a chance Davis could fall deep into the second round or further. He’s polarizing, and polarizing players are always unpredictable. Davis might be worth the gamble at No. 62.
Previous Prospects for the Pack
WR Tee Higgins
LB Kenneth Murray
LB Patrick Queen
WR Jalen Reagor
WR Justin Jefferson
TE Harrison Bryant
WR Denzel Mims
WR Brandon Aiyuk
WR/TE Chase Claypool
LB Zack Baun
LB Akeem Davis-Gaither
OT Josh Jones
WR Laviska Shenault
OT Austin Jackson
S Antoine Winfield Jr.