Unpacking Future Packers: No. 50, SDSU RB Isaiah Davis

Up next in the Unpacking Future Packers draft preview series is South Dakota State running back Isaiah Davis.

The Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects that could be selected by the Green Bay Packers in the 2024 NFL draft.

During the past two NFL drafts, Brian Gutekunst has turned to the FCS level for offensive talent. In the 2022 draft, Green Bay’s general manager traded up in the second round to snag North Dakota State wide receiver Christian Watson. During last year’s draft, Gutekunst selected South Dakota State tight end Tucker Kraft in the third round.

Isaiah Davis is an FCS offensive player who the Packers could target on Day 3 of the 2024 NFL Draft. The SDSU running back checks in at No. 50 in the Unpacking Future Packers Countdown. 

A Missouri native, Davis rushed for 818 yards and 10 touchdowns during the 2020 campaign. The following season he rushed for 701 yards and seven touchdowns. 

During SDSU’s national championship season in 2022, Davis rushed for 1,451 yards and 15 touchdowns. Davis helped the Jackrabbits repeat this past season when he rushed for 1,578 yards and 18 touchdowns.

“He was extremely productive,” Robbie Rouse, the SDSU running backs coach, said. “The offense ran through him.”

Davis is a battering ram between the tackles. He’s a hard-nosed runner, who is tough to get to the ground. He drives through arm tackles and looks to dish out punishment on any defender who stands in his way.

Davis has a strong lower half and keeps his feet driving at contact. According to Pro Football Focus, Davis picked up 936 yards after contact and forced 80 missed tackles. 

“Davis is very powerful and strong,” Rouse said. “He has a willingness not to go down easily. His feet are so nifty that doesn’t allow defenders to get clean shots on him.”

Davis has a good feel for the zone and runs with good tempo. The former Missouri Gatorade Player of the Year has quick feet and scoots through the hole with burst, showcasing the necessary vision to excel at the next level. 

“His greatest strength is his feet,” Rouse said. “You typically don’t see feet like that on bigger backs. His contact balance and his vision are very elite as well.”

Over the past two seasons, Davis recorded 44 receptions for 372 yards and one touchdown. He’s a dependable target out of the backfield, with large hands. It’s part of his game that could take off at the next level. 

“This is what I was most impressed by when I first started coaching here,” Rouse said. Davis runs good routes and has very soft hands.”

Davis brings a semblance of special teams value. He has limited experience returning kicks (seven) and punts (three). 

Fit with the Packers

Davis was extremely productive over the past two seasons for the Jackrabbits and played a pivotal role in helping SDSU win back-to-back National Championships. 

The Jackrabbit running back is a well-put-together running back, who is capable of picking up the tough yards between the tackles, but also capable of ripping off chunk plays due to his hard-charging running style. This past season, Davis recorded 54 runs of 10-plus yards and 25 runs of 15-plus yards. 

“Davis checks off all the boxes,” Rouse said. “He is a great young man on and off the field. When you combine that with elite talent, you have a special player on your hands.”

With Josh Jacobs and AJ Dillon on the roster, Davis wouldn’t necessarily provide a different look for defenses. Having said that, Dillon is back on a one-year deal. His presence likely won’t stop the Packers from adding a talented back like Davis. 

The Packers have six picks on Day 3 and one of those picks could be spent on the well-rounded SDSU running back.