The Green Bay Packers will enter the 2021 NFL draft hoping to find a few more valuable pieces to add to an otherwise talented roster after winning 26 regular-season games and making the NFC Championship Game in back-to-back seasons under coach Matt LaFleur.
Between now and the draft, Packers Wire will periodically break down one top prospect capable of landing in Green Bay later this month.
Up next is Kentucky linebacker Jamin Davis:
What he can do
– Stands 6-3, weighs 234 pounds. Fits the mold of a modern NFL linebacker
– Freak athlete. RAS of 9.93. Tested off the charts at his pro day, logging a 4.37 time in the 40 with a 42″ vertical leap and 132″ broad jump
– Speed is elite for a 234-pound inside linebacker prospect
– Instinctive and aware despite starting only 11 games
– Incredible production during 2020 season. Collected 102 tackles, 1.5 sacks, three interceptions (one TD return), one forced fumble and one blocked field goal in just 10 games. Stuffed the stat sheet
– Length is impressive. Nearly 80″ wingspan. Creates huge tackle radius. Length also helps disrupt passing lanes
– Three-down player. Was consistently trusted in coverage during 2020 season. Played mostly zone coverage at Kentucky. Able to read and react, with a good feel for routes developing in his area and closing burst to go get guys down after the catch
– Physical and plays hard always. Knows how to slip blocks and shoot gaps
– Earned an elite run defense grade from Pro Football Focus during 2020 season. Also rarely missed tackles
– Intercepted five passes during college career
– Late bloomer. Redshirted in 2017 and started only one game in 2018-19
How he fits
The Packers haven’t had a dynamic, game-changing inside linebacker in years. Davis, with his combination of size, elite athleticism and disruptive ability against the run and pass, could be that kind of player at the next level. He may need some time before he’s ready to play every down but his ceiling is high. His traits mirror those of the NFL’s elite at the position. Davis, Kamal Martin and Krys Barnes could create a strong trio of inside linebackers, with Davis providing the three-down player and the impressive sideline-to-sideline playmaking ability every great defense needs in the middle. In Joe Barry’s defense, Davis could play the Cory Littleton role.
NFL comp
It’s tough to find an accurate comparison to a player like Davis, who has incredible athleticism and length but little starting experience. It’s very tempting to look at the size similarities with a Pro Bowl linebacker like Darius Leonard of the Colts, but Davis is more athletic and less experienced. In time, Davis could have a Leonard-like impact. He’s a boom or bust prospect.
Where Packers could get him
Davis has been rising throughout the draft process, making him a likely first-rounder. It’s possible, with only 11 career starts, that he could slide into the second round, but many view him as a top-30 player. The Packers could possibly move up or down slightly or even stay at No. 29 and get Davis.
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