Tag: Raekwon Davis

Prospect for the Pack: Alabama DL Raekwon Davis

Breaking down the draft profile of Alabama DL Raekwon Davis, a potential pick for the Packers in the 2020 draft.

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.

2020 NFL Combine: 10 DL for the Eagles to watch

2020 NFL Combine: 10 DL for the Eagles to watch

The 2020 NFL Combine will now feature the defensive players with workouts and position drills for defensive linemen and linebackers.

The Eagles have a need for depth on the defensive line, despite Brandon Graham, Derek Barnett, Fletcher Cox and Malik Jackson all set to return as starters.

With Graham, Cox, and Jackson getting up there in age, it’ll be imperative for the Eagles to land some young talent along the defensive front.

Here are ten defensive linemen or edge rushers regardless of the position that the Eagles should watch at the NFL Combine on Saturday.

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1. Josh Uche | EDGE | Michigan

A standup linebacker for Jim Harbaugh and the Wolverines, Uche has the ability to be an every-down pass rusher in the NFL, who can also be versatile in a zone or man pass coverage.

With the Eagles looking to be innovative while getting younger and more versatile, Uche could be perfect against the grain option.

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Patrick Queen, Raekwon Davis among top defensive players to meet with Packers at combine

The Packers met with both the LSU linebacker and Alamaba defensive lineman at the combine in Indianapolis.

LSU linebacker Patrick Queen and Alabama defensive lineman Raekwon Davis are among the potential first-round prospects to meet with the Green Bay Packers at the NFL Scouting Combine.

Queen informed Ross Uglem of Packer Report of his meeting with the Packers, while Davis told Jacob Morley of Packer Report of his own meeting with the Packers. Tex Western of Acme Packing Company also reported the meetings between Queen and Davis and the Packers.

Both could be potential options for the Packers at No. 30 overall, and both could fill positions of need for Mike Pettine’s defense.

Queen is one of the top-rated inside linebackers in the class and could add a massive infusion of speed and range to the middle of the Packers defense. He’s been compared to both former LSU teammate Devin White and former Panthers great Thomas Davis. The Packers desperately need a playmaker at linebacker.

Davis is a giant human being who could provide length and power next to Kenny Clark along the Packers defensive line. He has the frame and strength to be a dominant run defender, with top-end upside if he develops as a rusher.  The Packers didn’t get enough from any down lineman besides Clark and were often pushed around in the run game in 2019.

As always, keep in mind that teams meet with many players from all positions during the combine. It’s an information-gathering operation, and teams take advantage of any and all opportunities to stockpile intel and better inform their own draft processes.

That said, the Packers have met with many of the top off-ball linebackers and defensive linemen in Indianapolis, likely hinting at Brian Gutekunst’s desire to upgrade both positions at some point in the draft.

Note: the Packers also met with Oklahoma linebacker Kenneth Murray, as reported by Matt Schneidman of The Athletic earlier Thursday.

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Who and what to watch at the 2020 NFL Combine: Interior defensive line

The Lions Wire staff has identified which interior defensive linemen Detroit Lions fans should be watching at the 2020 NFL Combine.

The 2020 NFL Combine on-field workouts begin Thursday, February 27th in Indianapolis but the interior defensive linemen won’t take the field until Saturday, February 29th.

This is the latest in a series of articles leading up to this year’s NFL Combine, where the Lions Wire team has identified players they will be tracking in order to determine potential fits within the organization.

If you missed the previous articles in this series, be sure to check out our quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, tight ends, and offensive linemen previews.

Interior defensive line traits to evaluate

There are several on-field drills that emphasize a player’s abilities and the main areas Lions’ scouts will likely be focusing for the defensive line are:

  • Balance starts at the knees.
  • Quick feet and lateral mobility.
  • Reaction time.
  • Power in their punch.
  • Head up. See the target, hit the target.

Derrick Brown, Auburn

Suggested by: Erik Schlitt and Ty Finch

A legit option for the Lions at pick No. 3 overall. If he’s their target and they trade back, they need to make sure they don’t go back too far as he is likely to go very early.

Brown is a rare complete defender, capable of being an every-down nose tackle or 3-technique, and can even spend time on the edges at the 5-technique. He is perfectly suited for the Lions scheme because he can 2-gap, reset the line-of-scrimmage with power, as well as use his athleticism to penetrate and get to the ball. At 6-5, 325 pounds, he is an instant upgrade for the Lions at either nose tackle (Damon Harrison’s role) or the 3/5-technique (A’Shawn Robinson’s role).

Javon Kinlaw, South Carolina

Suggested by: Max Gerber, Scott Warheit, and Bryce Rossler

Kinlaw absolutely destroyed South practices at the Senior Bowl, illustrating why he many believe he will hear his name called in the top half of Round 1, and likely in the Top-10.

At 6-5, 315, Kinlaw is close in size to Brown, but they are very different players. Kinlaw is an ideal penetrating 3-technique, who has the strength to also contribute at the 5-technique. With elite length and power, he will appeal to the Lions, but he can get too upright at times which could potentially hurt him when trying to hold his gap — a staple in the Lions scheme. For a team that values interior penetration from their defensive linemen, Kinlaw could be ranked ahead of Brown on some draft boards.

Ross Blacklock, TCU

Suggested by: Zack Moran

If the Lions pass on a defensive tackle in the first round, Blacklock could be an option at No. 35 — if he lasts that long.

Projected to check in at 6-4, 331 pounds, Blacklock has positional range similar to Brown, but his skills are not as refined. Blacklock’s length, first-step quickness, and athleticism make him better suited for the Lions 3/5T role rather than the anchor spot in the middle. If he improves his ability to hold his gaps he has the potential to be an impactful player in the Lions scheme.

Neville Gallimore, Oklahoma

Suggested by: Jeff Risdon

Gallimore was a nose tackle in Oklahoma’s three-man front, but he earned that role, not because of his size (6-2, 304), but because of his ability to win with tenacity and violence. Very athletic for his size, Gallimore was a gap penetrator in college but he has the skill set to be a potential 2-gapper at the next level.

Marlon Davidson, Auburn

Suggested by: Derek Okrie

Davidson played an edge role at Auburn, similar to the down defensive end role on the Lions, but at the next level, he would likely fit in as a “big defensive end”, the role Da’Shawn Hand plays in Detroit. At nearly 300-pounds and the ability to play from the 3- to the 7-technique, he has the potential to have a Hand-like impact at the next level in the right system with improved power.

Raekwon Davis, Alabama

Suggested by: Sonja Greenfield

Since Matt Patricia took over as coach of the Lions, one rule for evaluating prospects has always held true — if a prospect played defense at Alabama, they’ll fit the Lions scheme. Davis’ game begins with his power and his ability to control offensive lineman, which is paramount in the Lions scheme. His run defense is top-notch but offers very little in the way of a pass rush or burst to the ball.

Leki Fotu, Utah

Suggested by: Scott Bischoff

Checking in at 6-5.5, 337 pounds at the Senior Bowl, Fotu is a mountain of a man who is strong enough to live at the 0- and 1-technique roles. Fotu’s game is drenched in power and his ability to 2-gap and anchor the middle of the defensive line makes him a natural replacement for Damon Harrison. He doesn’t offer much in the way of pass-rushing but he’s more athletic than what you’d expect at first glance and has yet to reach his developmental ceiling.

Darrion Daniels, Nebraska

Suggested by: Matt Urben

Daniels is a try-hard nose tackle, who needs to add more functional power in order to be capable of contributing from the middle of a defensive line. He has good foot quickness but the lack of strength allows him to lose his contact balance and thus give up gaps. Daniels’ high character and energy level will endure him to coaches, but he may need time on the practice squad to develop.

2020 Draft: What the experts say about the top DL available

The Cowboys could look to the draft to fill the gaping holes along their defensive interior. Check out the pre-combine reports on DTs.

It’s safe to say the Dallas Cowboys will have to make defensive tackle a priority in both free agency and the draft.

With Maliek Collins, Christian Covington, Michael Bennett and Kerry Hyder all slated to test free agency there will be a need to acquire talent at the position. The Cowboys have three picks in the top 100 of the NFL Draft, No.s 17, 51, and 82, giving them the capital needed to add a premier player at the position. Here we take a look at the top 5 defensive tackles (with apologies to Raeqwan Williams and Leki Fotu) in the draft and what the experts think about them.

Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn

Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

At 6-foot-4, 318 pounds, this potential first-round pick shocked people when he decided to return to Auburn for his senior year. His decision has paid off as he is widely considered the best defensive tackle prospect and a sure fire top-10 pick. He finished 2019 with 55 tackles, four sacks, two forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries.

What the experts say:

Draft Network: Derrick Brown is one of the most complete interior defensive line prospects to pass through the draft process in recent memory. Odd fronts, even fronts, as a two-gap defender or a penetration player — Brown is a dynamic force who wins in any way you could possibly need him to. His explosive power wins first contact or gaps with consistency and his upper body power, motor and instincts are all plus qualities. Plug and play starter with All-Pro potential at the NFL level.

Draft Wire: A physical defender with size, strength and speed, Brown fits the prototype of a three-down interior defensive lineman. He’s still a bit of a work in progress, but his hand usage and his physical attributes should see him get drafted pretty early when the draft rolls around.

Drafttek: When I look at the way he can single-handedly take over a game, I am reminded of Marcell Dareus and how he could dominate with his power. I don’t think Brown has the same length as Dareus, but the power is certainly there. However, when I look at Danny Shelton and the kind of player he has been in the NFL, I think that is what Brown can be. His ability to shut down the inside of the field, while also having a quick first step that allows him to shoot gaps is a very similar combination for skills to what Brown offers coming out of Auburn. They’ve got Brown listed at six feet, five inches, and while I am not sure that is accurate, both these guys are taller interior players like Brown. Both of those players were also top-10 talents in their draft classes on my board, and I believe Brown fits that bill as well.

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Eagles land Alabama WR Henry Ruggs III in Todd McShay’s second 2020 mock draft

2020 NFL draft: Eagles select Henry Ruggs in Todd McShay’s 1st mock

With the 2019 NFL season officially over after the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl win, draft season is in full swing.

With the draft season in full swing, Todd McShay has rejoined the slew of analysts and scouts set to break down college football’s best players.

Last month,  McShay released his first mock draft for the 2020 selection process and he predicted a Crimson Tide playmaker for the Eagles.

McShay just released his second mock on Tuesday morning, and he’s staying the course in his predictions, again sending Henry Ruggs III to the Eagles at pick No. 21.

21. Philadelphia Eagles
Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama

Zero Eagles receivers found their way to 500 yards in 2019, Nelson Agholor is a free agent, Alshon Jeffery will be 30 in two weeks and J.J. Arcega-Whiteside had a limited 10-catch impact in his rookie campaign. Carson Wentz likes to air it out, but he didn’t have the right personnel to do so. Coach Doug Pederson thought he had an answer in the vertical game with DeSean Jackson, but an abdominal injury limited the veteran speedster to 62 snaps. Ruggs, though, is a human torch — he could run in the 4.2s at the combine — and immediately gives Wentz a weapon in the passing game outside of Zach Ertz, Dallas Goedert and Miles Sanders.

Ruggs, Miles Sanders and a healthy DeSean Jackson could give the Eagles weapons that would present matchup nightmares for opposing defenses. If J.J. Arcega-Whiteside can take the next step and Alshon Jeffery can return, the Eagles would present a formidable offense, capable of giving any defense in the league fits.

McShay’s draft order came from using ESPN’s Football Power Index (FPI) and it will continue shift as the season winds down and draft positions change.

2020 Senior Bowl: How to watch, listen

Alabama has multiple former players participating in the 2020 Reese’s Senior Bowl, including safety Jared Mayden and outside linebackers Terrell Lewis and Anfernee Jennings. Jalen Hurts, who spend his first three seasons in Tuscaloosa before …

Alabama has multiple former players participating in the 2020 Reese’s Senior Bowl, including safety Jared Mayden and outside linebackers Terrell Lewis and Anfernee Jennings.

Jalen Hurts, who spend his first three seasons in Tuscaloosa before transferring to Oklahoma as a graduate transfer prior to the 2019 season, will also be taking part in the game.

Jalen Hurts
Jan 22, 2020; Mobile, Alabama, USA; South quarterback Jalen Hurts of Oklahoma (1) drops to pass during Senior Bowl practice at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports

There was a fifth former Tide standout, Raekwon Davis, who was supposed to practice and play, but a lingering ankle issue from the regular season forced him to exit early.

If you are interested in watching and/or listening to today’s game, below is the information you will need.

Date: Saturday, Jan. 25

Time: 1:30 p.m. CT

Where: Ladd-Peebles Stadium (Mobile, Ala.)

TV: NFL Network

Terrell Lewis
Jan 23, 2020; Mobile, Alabama, USA; South defensive lineman Terrell Lewis of Alabama (24) spars with South tight end Harrison Bryant of Florida Atlantic (40) during Senior Bowl practice at University of South Alabama s Jaguar Football Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports

Make sure to follow Roll Tide Wire to get up-to-the-minute updates surrounding the Senior Bowl, Alabama football and more!

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Alabama’s Raekwon Davis pulls out of Senior Bowl due to ankle injury

Alabama defensive lineman Raekwon Davis will not be playing in the Reese’s Senior Bowl due to an ankle injury.

On Tuesday, it was reported that Alabama defensive lineman Raekwon Davis would not be playing in the Reese’s Senior Bowl due to an ankle injury.

Davis has made an impact all four seasons for the Crimson Tide. As a freshman, he played in 7 games where he had 4 tackles, and 1 sack. As a sophomore, Davis had 67 tackles, 10 tackles for loss and a team-best 8.5 sacks. In his junior season, Raekwon racked up 55 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and 6 quarterback hurries. He also had 47 tackles, three tackles for loss, 0.5 sacks and five quarterback hurries as a senior.

Raekwon Davis
Alabama defensive lineman Raekwon Davis (99) pressures Southern Miss quarterback Jack Abraham (15) at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Saturday September 21, 2019.

According to DraftWire.com, part of the USA Today Sports Network, Davis could be drafted to the Seahawks in the first round.

Roll Tide Wire will keep you up to date with the latest on ALL things Alabama!

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Revamping the Ravens’ defense in our latest 3-round mock draft

The Baltimore Ravens have some pretty big holes on their defense and with the 2020 NFL draft coming up, it’s a chance to fill those holes

The Baltimore Ravens’ offseason began a little earlier than many would have liked. But it allows us a little extra time to look at the future and what could potentially happen.

Take the NFL draft for instance. It’s the spot Baltimore has chiefly found talent to stock their roster and is the reason why they made it as far as they did last season. With the 2020 NFL draft quickly approaching, there’s no better time than now to take our first real dip into a mock draft of our own. And with the No. 28 pick, I should be able to find some really good help.

I used FanSpeak’s mock draft simulator. Though it doesn’t include any potential compensatory picks and there still being teams in the postseason means the order isn’t set, this is an initial taste of what Baltimore could be looking at in the first three rounds.

First round – No. 28

EDGE Terrell Lewis, Alabama

Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Baltimore’s top offseason priority is adding more pass rush talent, without question. While defensive coordinator Don Martindale used blitzes to create pressure, the Ravens were woefully lacking in sacks last season. With outside linebacker Matthew Judon one of the team’s 21 pending free agents this offseason, it makes it an even bigger potential need for Baltimore and one I wanted to address right off the bat.

Luckily, the draft board worked itself out and the best player still remaining was the talented Lewis.

Lewis can stand as an outside linebacker or put his hand in the dirt as a rush end, which will fit the Ravens’ diverse scheme well. He’s got prototypical size and speed to be a talented pass rusher. While he’s still a little raw, the flashes are there for him to be an early contributor with a high upside.

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Latest Draft Wire mock draft has Seahawks taking defensive tackle

The Seattle Seahawks select a defensive tackle, a guard, and a cornerback in the latest three-round mock draft from Draft Wire.

The Seattle Seahawks have advanced to the divisional round of the NFC playoffs and are all set to take on the Packers in Green Bay on Sunday, but that doesn’t mean we can’t take a peek at how the roster could get re-shaped during the 2020 NFL draft.

Despite a stellar 2019 season, Seattle clearly has some holes on its roster, holes that Luke Easterling of Draft Wire believes they will look to fill in the first three rounds of the NFL draft.

In his latest three-round mock draft for Draft Wire, Easterling has the Seahawks picking No. 28, No. 60 and No. 63 overall based on current standings and trades.

With those picks, Seattle is mocked to select Alabama defensive tackle Raekwon Davis, Michigan guard Ben Bredeson, and Utah cornerback Jaylon Johnson.

“Free agency could decimate this defensive line this offseason, so don’t be surprised if the Seahawks opt for cheaper, younger talent in the draft to replace whatever they lose on the open market,” Easterling wrote about Davis. “Davis is huge, athletic, and versatile, and is ready to make an immediate impact.”

Davis is more of a run-stuffer than a pass rusher, which may not make him an ideal fit for a Seattle team that already has Poona Ford in the middle, but if Jarran Reed doesn’t return the team could opt to replace him with another Alabama product in Davis.

Bredeson is projected as a starting guard at the NFL level, and – unsurprisingly – is more of a run-blocker than a pass-protector. With both Mike Iupati and D.J. Fluker potentially free agents after this year (depending if Fluker opts out) the team could certainly use more guard play up front.

Ethan Pocic may slide over to the starting center role, and having Bredeson and Phil Haynes to build around on the interior – not to mention Jamarco Jones, who seems to have transitioned to guard – would be a good start toward building a line Russell Wilson can succeed behind.

Johnson would join Cody Barton and Marquise Blair as former Utes on the Seattle defense, and his length and range as a cornerback will no doubt be attractive to coach Pete Carroll.

Seattle’s depth behind Shaquill Griffin and Tre Flowers is extraordinarily thin, and while Johnson may need some time to develop he has all the tools to be a legit shutdown corner in the NFL, with the proper molding from Carroll and company.

The Seahawks are no doubt focused on the task at hand against Green Bay on Sunday, but these three players are among the many they will be in on during draft season.

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