Sean McVay was thrilled with the debut of former Clemson standout and rookie defensive tackle Tyler Davis in his preseason debut Sunday.
Former Clemson standout Tyler Davis started all 13 games at defensive tackle for the Tigers a season ago, making 34 tackles, including 3.5 tackles for loss.
After finishing his fifth year of college eligibility, Davis became a sixth round selection in this year’s NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Rams (No. 196 overall).
Davis made quite an impressive showing in the Rams’ preseason opener against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday at SoFi Stadium, recording six tackles (two solo), one tackle for loss and one quarterback hit. The Rams went on to win, 13-12.
Rams coach Sean McVay showed his excitement when Davis made a stop on Malik Davis midway through the second quarter, dropping the Cowboys’ running back for a 2-yard loss.
“He was great. I thought he was really active,” McVay said in response to a question about Davis. “He was able to beat the center on the block back when they pulled the guard and get a negative (play).
“One of those things that you feel about him is when the games come on, he really shows up, and that’s what the Clemson tapes said. That’s when you talk to their coaches and then you get around him in some of these competitive settings. I thought it was a real positive step in the right direction for Tyler today,” McVay added.
In five seasons at Clemson, Davis was credited with 167 tackles (29.5 for loss) and 16 sacks in 56 games, including 52 starts.
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Will the Green Bay Packers keep four or five tight ends on their final roster? Here is an early look at the decision they face.
When the time comes for the Green Bay Packers to put together their 53-man roster, will they keep four tight ends or five?
Of course, the ultimate goal when constructing the 53-man roster is to make sure that the best football players on the team. However, a part of the equation is how many players they roster at each position group.
With only so many roster spots available, teams have to be mindful of how players are at each position. Keeping six edge rushers, for example, just isnât realistic.
One of those potentially difficult number driven decisions could take place at the tight end position. What we know is that Luke Musgrave and Tucker Kraft will be on the team. Ben Sims is likely a safe bet as well. However, when it comes to that fourth roster spot, will it go to Tyler Davis, Henry Pearson, or perhaps both?
Tyler Davis is still rehabbing from last yearâs ACL injury, but upon his eventual return, he will have the ability to contribute to the team. Davisâ biggest impact will come on special teams, where he led the team in snaps in 2022, playing across five different phases regularly.
In fact, special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia said last summer that losing Davis for the season was like losing his right hand. When it comes to building out the back end of any roster, special teams contributions matter immensely.
On offense, Davis could provide added competition for Sims as the primary blocking tight end or maybe we see the Packers give him the opportunity to take snaps as the H-back, a role that is now available with Josiah Deguara in Jacksonville.
âI feel like to some degree we lost our right hand, you know?â Bisaccia said following Davisâ injury. âHe was an exceptional special-teams player, someone that you could count on in every critical situation, count on to play multiple positions. Heâs a big-bodied guy who can really run, was a double-digit tackler a year ago.â
Pearson, who is listed as a fullback, may be a more natural fit for the H-back role, having taken reps at that position during practices with Deguara last season. Itâs been a small sample size that weâve seen of Pearson in practice, but he has the versatility to be moved around the formation, and with his experience as a tight end in college, he looks natural as a blocker and pass-catcher.
With that said, Pearson showcasing that he can contribute effectively on special teams will still be his best path to making the team. By the end of the season, Deguara was seeing just 10-15 snaps per game in that H-back role.
Pearson was elevated from the practice squad twice last season and played 22 special teams primarily on the kick return and kick coverage units. With Davis still rehabbing and Tucker Kraft sidelined with a pec injury, Pearson had the opportunity to be the Packersâ third tight end during offseason programs.
âHe always busts his butt,â said Matt LaFleur. I think there’s a great opportunity for everybody here, quite frankly. And that’s one of the things that we talked to the team about. It doesn’t matter, first-rounder, UDFA, if you’re a tryout guy, you;re here for a reason. You got an opportunity and it’s really on them to go out there and showcase what they can do and you got two days to leave a pretty good impression.â
For what itâs worth, on our recent and early, 53-man roster prediction here at Packers Wire, while we would have liked to keep five tight ends, because of the roster math, we kept only four and picked Davis over Pearson. Ultimately, it was Davisâ special teams experience and how highly he is regarded both on and off the field that led to that decision.
During LaFleurâs tenure, the Packers havenât rostered five tight ends on the initial 53-man. In 2019, they kept four tight ends and one fullback, while last year they kept only three with Davis out.
âTylerâs a stud,â said tight end coach John Dunn. âHe is as dedicated of an individual as they come. Thereâs not enough good words I can say about Tyler, just him really being one of the veterans in the room, just the guidance.â
Can the Los Angeles Rams’ defensive line actually be better in 2024 without Aaron Donald? Les Snead has prepared the team for minimal dropoff.
Remember when the Oakland A’s lost Johnny Damon, Jason Giambi, and Jason Isringhausen in free agency, and general manager Billy Beane had to replace them in the aggregate? Beane’s successful path led to Moneyball, and now, Rams general manager Les Snead and his crew are having a bit of the same issue.
When Aaron Donald retires, you do not replace him with one human being, because Aaron Donald is not a human being — he is an alien from the planet Destructo. The Rams don’t have Beane’s financial limitations; it’s simply a matter of fact that you don’t ever get an Aaron Donald unless you’re exceedingly fortunate, and when you don’t have an Aaron Donald anymore, you have to replace him in the aggregate.Â
So in this draft, the Rams set out to do exactly that. They started out by selecting Florida State edge-rusher Jared Verse with their first first-round pick since 2016. Then, in the second round, they took Verse’s teammate, defensive lineman (and combine star) Braden Fiske. Then, with the 154th overall pick in the fifth round, they took Washington State edge-rusher Brennan Jackson, and rounded it all out with Clemson defensive tackle Tyler Davis, taken with the 196th overall pick in the sixth round.
âYeah, I mean I think when you look at it, to be able to get two guys on the edge, two guys inside that we feel like can affect the game in a positive way, that was something that we had identified,” head coach Sean McVay said after the draft came down. “Obviously Aaron creates a big void. You’re never going to ask somebody to replace that void he created, but you can do that by the unit. So to be able to get Jared, to be able to get Brennan on the edges. The way that they play the game. Then to be able to add Braden and Tyler, we were really excited about that.”
Well, it’s easy to see why. These four players work well on their own, and have the potential to really ace it playing together.
Fiske and Verse already have a serious chemistry, as they showed throughout the 2023 season — especially against Louisville, when they were either stunting or collapsing the pocket together, and nobody had a solid idea of how to stop them from doing it.
âYeah, if youâre ever bored go start to finish Florida State at Louisville, whatever ACC Championship game,” general manager Les Snead said. “Obviously, Florida State didn’t have a quarterback. They may have been down to their third and it was just pure defense to win the ACC Championship, get their ring, get their trophy because it could have easily gone the other way. It would’ve been a season for naught had they lost it. So, if you’re ever bored, watch those two players in that game. You’ll come back and do a rerun.â
âI think it was interesting because this was Braden’s first year at Florida State so it did take probably, let’s call it first four or five weeks for them to get in tandem, in sync,” Snead said of the on-field link between Verse and Fiske after Fiske transferred from Western Michigan. “And I know even Florida State adjusted a little bit their defensive scheme or what they allowed Braden to do and attack the line of scrimmage, attack some edges. What’s interesting as you watched that team evolve over the course of season and become⊠when they finished that night in Louisville, one of the really dominant defenses. But you saw that group get in tandem. That was a good defensive line.
“But those two doing their thing, again, with Florida State and allowing them and designing those stunts, twists, whatever we call them. It’s fun to watch.â
As for Brennan Jackson, the Washington State alum had nine sacks and 40 total pressures last season, and while he needs to refine his handwork as most collegiate defensive lineman do, he already brings an inside counter, a formidable bull-rush, and a snatch-and-shed move than can be lethal.Â
Washington State edge-rusher Brennan Jackson, who the Rams somehow got in the fifth round. Eight sacks and 40 pressures in 2023, and he already brings a bull-rush, an inside counter, and a snatch-and-shed move to the table. Get his hands more involved, and he could be a DUDE. pic.twitter.com/o0kxSi6948
Finally, there’s Tyler Davis, the 6-foot-2, 301-pound fire hydrant who amassed two sacks and 22 total pressures in just 277 pass-rushing reps last season, and did it everywhere from head-over nose tackle to the edge.Â
The @RamsNFL's most interesting defensive sleeper pick might be DL Tyler Davis from Clemson. Attacked everywhere from head-over nose to edge at 6-foot-2 and 301 pounds. Usually from the edge, he was demolishing some poor offensive guard on the way to the quarterback. pic.twitter.com/JCv7sZof52
And when you add these four gentlemen to last year’s draft picks Byron Young (who had eight sacks and 51 total pressures last season) and Kobie Turner (who was my choice for Defensive Rookie of the Year with his 12 sacks and 50 total pressures), new defensive coordinator Chris Shula has a lot of options in his rotations.
So yes, the Rams’ defensive line has the potential for overall improvement even without the greatest defensive player of his generation. Not a bad outcome, really.
In a very talented tight end room, Tyler Davis can still contribute to this Green Bay Packers team in a variety of ways.
Of all the moves that the Green Bay Packers made this offseason, re-signing tight end Tyler Davis didn’t garner much attention, but tight ends coach John Dunn was certainly happy to have him back.
“Tylerâs a stud,” said Dunn on Wednesday. “He is as dedicated of an individual as they come. Thereâs not enough good words I can say about Tyler, just him really being one of the veterans in the room, just the guidance.”
Davis’ 2023 season was cut short after he sustained an ACL injury during the preseason. During the 2022 season, Davis was on the field for 175 offensive snaps and primarily used as a blocker, with just four receptions for 26 yards.
With such a young group of tight ends last season, as well as receivers, Davis was never going to be a focal point within the Packers’ offense, even if he was healthy. However, in an inexperienced room, Davis’ veteran presence helped provide some stability, even though he wasn’t able to be on the field with them.
“Obviously before the injury just the example on the field or in the meeting roomâhow you go about your business, how to be a pro,” added Dunn. “And then unfortunately he did have the incident, but then afterwards not disappearing, right? Still being there for those guys, being involved, where they could ask questions or he could help, he could lend guidance.
“So, it just speaks to who he is as a man, it speaks to him as a teammate, he loves this game, he loves this team, I canât say enough good things about Tyler. But it didnât surprise me. Because thatâs who he is, thatâs who he is as a man.”
Looking ahead to this season, Tucker Kraft and Luke Musgrave will dominate the snaps at the tight end position. But this summer there still will be the opportunity for Davis to carve out a role.
Davis was a core special teams player for the Packers during the 2022 season. He led the team with 344 snaps, playing across five different phases, while also ranking third in tackles. When Davis was ruled out for the season last August, special teams coach Rich Bisaccia equated losing Davis like losing his right hand.
Offensively, Davis could compete with second-year tight end Ben Sims for that primary blocking role at the position. GM Brian Gutekunst has preached all offseason about the importance of competition within every room, and blocking is where Davis has the most experience in that regard.
Without Josiah Deguara, the H-back role that was on the field for about 15 or so snaps per game last season is up for grabs. The most likely replacement is fullback Henry Pearson, however, with Davis’ blocking experience, along with his athleticism, helping him to impact the passing game and be moved around the formation, that could result in the Packers seeing if he can compete for that role as well.
I certainly wouldn’t call Davis a roster lock, but if I were putting together a 53-man roster prediction today, he would be on it. His ability on special teams, along with the variety of ways he can help support the tight end position, make him a valuable back end of the roster contributor.
“What we tell these guys is, they obviously have to earn that right for the creativity to do the things that weâre asking them to do,” said Dunn about the tight end room.
“Obviously all these guys are talented and weâre going to ask them to do what they can do, accentuate their strengths, but I think yeah, in terms of the creativity, right, itâs limitless. But we have to be able to do those things, execute those things to earn the right to be able to do those things on the field on Sundays.”
Tyler Davis joins the Rams as a sixth-round rookie after dominating along the defensive line at Clemson.
The Los Angeles Rams had one of the smallest defensive lines in football last season, boasting just one player over 300 pounds. There was a clear effort to improve up front in the draft this year, especially after Aaron Donald retired.
After selecting Braden Fiske in Round 2, the Rams then added Clemsonâs Tyler Davis in the sixth round at No. 196 overall. Davis is more of a run-stuffer than he is a pass rusher, but thatâs not a problem because heâs darn good at wrapping up ball carriers and stopping them at the line of scrimmage.
Davis was one of the best run defenders in college football last season, recording a 90.8 run defense grade from Pro Football Focus â fourth-best among all defensive tackles. To get a sense of just how good Davis is up front, take a look at some of his highlights from Clemson.
Can Tyler Davis help fill the void of Aaron Donald?
The Los Angeles Rams have lost a generational talent in Aaron Donald. The future Hall of Famer has left massive shoes for the next group of defensive linemen.
Former Clemson DL Tyler Davis will be one of those trying to fill those shoes.
Obviously, Davis won’t do it alone or necessarily in his rookie season. But what he does bring to LA can earn him playing time. After Clemson’s 2022Â double-overtime win against No. 21 Wake Forest, head coach Dabo Swinney said, “If you want to know what relentless looks like, watch [Davis].â
The 6-foot-2-inch tackle has a never-quit mentality and a blue-collar work ethic. The Rams posted a video where Davis broke down what the organization is getting in him.
I think I bring a lot. My leadership qualities, somebody who can play both, ya know run and pass. Somebody who’s gonna put in the work, be committed. Somebody you just don’t have to worry about off the field, somebody that’s gonna be there.
Davis sounds determined to make an impact with a position badly in need of quality depth. And with his combination of talent and excellent work ethic, the Apopka, Fla. native has a great chance.
Under new defensive coordinator Chris Shula, the Rams are forging a new defensive identity on that side of the ball, and it’s exciting to see
The 2024 NFL draft has officially concluded and on paper, early draft analyst grades are ranking the Rams’ 2024 haul amongst the best in the league. What we’ve learned over the course of the last 72 hours is this: The Rams defense is taking on a new identity. And frankly, it’s exciting.
The Rams made 10 selections over the course of the NFL draft, with five of the first six selections allocated to adding much-needed talent to the defensive side of the ball, filling glaring roster voids at outside linebacker, defensive line, and safety.
The selections of Jared Verse, Braden Fiske, Kamren Kinchens, Brennan Jackson and Tyler Davis reveal similar traits between the five, and could be interpreted as a new defensive identity. This defense intends to inflict a relentlessness and physicality that could draw comparisons to famed Rams defenses of the past.
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
It’s still unclear what wrinkles new defensive coordinator Chris Shula will fold into the Rams defensive scheme. He’s been a part of the Rams coaching staff since the beginning of the Sean McVay era and has served under prior coordinators Wade Phillips, Brandon Staley, and recently departed Raheem Morris.
One thing is clear, though: He has a plethora of young talent to galvanize into a formidable defensive unit. And the Rams fan base is excited to see how it materializes.
NFL Draft: Clemson’s Tyler Davis was selected in the sixth round (196th overall) by the Los Angeles Rams on Day 3 of the NFL Draft Saturday in Detroit.
Defensive tackle Tyler Davis has become the sixth former Clemson player to be selected by an NFL franchise in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Davis was selected in the sixth round (196th overall) by the Los Angels Rams. He joined running back Will Shipley (Philadelphia), defensive end Xavier Thomas (Arizona) and linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr. (Philadelphia) among Clemson players that were selected on Day 3 of the draft.
Davis was a four-time All-ACC selection while at Clemson. In five seasons with the Tigers, he was credited with 167 career tackles (29.5 for loss), 16 sacks, four pass breakups and three fumble recoveries in 2,018 snaps over 56 games (52 starts) since 2019.
In his final season at Clemson, Davis played in all 13 games and finished with 34 tackles (12 solo, 3.5 for loss).
âIâm super proud of Tyler,” Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said following the Rams’ selection of Davis. “I think he is a guy that from the moment he showed up at Clemson, heâs acted like a pro, prepared like one, trained like one. He is the consummate âteam guyâ and eventually he will be a captain.
“He is a player I would put in the same mold as Grady Jarrett. He is probably a guy that got downgraded because he doesnât have some of the measurables from a size standpoint, but when he gets on the field, he will quickly separate from the others. Thatâs just who he is. Thatâs who heâs always been. I just really feel like heâs going to have a great NFL career. Iâm super excited for the opportunity heâs earned and I canât wait to watch him continue to be great.”
Davis became the sixth Clemson player overall to be chosen in the 2024 draft. Cornerback Nate Wiggins went 30th overall to the Baltimore Ravens in the first round of the draft on Thursday night, and defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro went 35th overall in the second round to the Atlanta Falcons on Friday.
Davis is the second Clemson player to be drafted by the Rams in the past two seasons. A year ago, Los Angeles drafted former Tigers tight end Davis Allen with a fifth-round pick.
The Rams added a big run stopper to the defensive line in Round 6, selecting Clemson DT Tyler Davis at No. 196
The Ramsâ strategy of beefing up the defensive front continued in Round 6 with the selection of Clemson defensive tackle Tyler Davis. Itâs the second time theyâve selected a defensive tackle in this draft and the fourth front-seven player theyâve taken, doing everything they can to solidify the D-line without Aaron Donald.
Davis is 6-foot-2 and 301 pounds, fitting well at defensive tackle in the Ramsâ 3-4 scheme. He brings some much-needed size to the table for a team thatâs a bit small up front â something that showed at times last season.
While he may not be a great pass rusher, he is a stout run defender. He was so productive that he earned All-ACC honors four times in college (three first-team, one second-team), finishing his career with 155 tackles and 29.5 tackles for a loss. He also had 16 sacks, though he had only a half-sack in 2023.
The Broncos had an informal meeting with Clemson defensive lineman Tyler Davis at the NFL combine. He’s projected to be a fourth-round pick.
The Denver Broncos had an informal meeting with Clemson’s Tyler Davis at the NFL combine, the defensive lineman revealed during his media availability in Indianapolis in late February.
Davis (6-2, 301 pounds) ran a 40-yard dash in 5.02 seconds and bench-pressed 225 pounds 29 times at the combine. He spent five years with the Tigers, totaling 145 tackles (30 behind the line of scrimmage), 16 sacks, three pass breakups and three fumble recoveries in 55 games.
The Broncos signed Malcolm Roach during free agency, but the team lost Jonathan Harris, and Mike Purcell remains a free agent. Denver could certainly use more depth on the defensive line going into 2024.
The Broncos currently hold pick No. 121 in the fourth round and Davis could be a target at that spot. The 2024 NFL draft will be held in Detroit from April 25-27.
