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Around SBN: Jim Irsay: We Can Make It Work With Peyton Manning

With the 204th Overall Pick (6th Round), the Arizona Cardinals Select:

Will Davis, DE, Illinois

6'2", 261 lbs.

From NFL.com's database:

Overview

Davis, a former wide receiver and tight end, registered 12.5 tackles for loss, 016339203_mediumincluding 9.5 sacks, as a junior to earn second-team All-Big Ten honors. But he took a step backward in 2008 with teams having a year of film to study, and his production plummeted (seven tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks). Davis has rare foot quickness and straight-line speed -- to be expected of a former receiver -- for a defensive end, though he was sapped of some of that speed by nagging ankle injuries. His lack of upper-body strength and hand technique usually means that if blockers can get their hands on him, he's rendered ineffective quickly. A team willing to spend a second-day draft pick could get a nice return on their initial investment if they can get Davis to work in the weight room.

 

Analysis

Positives: Good initial quickness off the snap. ... Can force the tackle outside with his speed, creating lanes for blitzing teammates or for himself to spin back inside. ... Rare straight-line speed for the position. ... Good effort to make plays in pursuit. Understands his role in the defense and generally plays with good contain. ... Can string the play out wide. ... Adequate lower-body strength to anchor. ... Good lateral agility and balance to tackle in close quarters. ... Ascending player who is still learning the nuances of the position after moving from offense to defense.

Negatives: Lacks the bulk and strength to consistently hold up at the point of attack. ... Adequately effective holding up against one blocker in the running game, but lacks the sand in his pants to split the double team. ... Struggles to disengage once the blocker gets a hand on him. ... Relies on his speed as a pass rusher and is essentially a one-trick pony at this time. ... Not often asked to play in space and has little experience in coverage, making the projection to a rush linebacker position a risky one.

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Seems like a player in progress. But he does add the needed depth.

Hey, hey, hey hey hey, watch the language, ok? I have a family.
Revenge of the Birds

by Andrew602 on Apr 26, 2009 3:42 PM MDT reply actions  

Can't teach speed, Lott can get him bulked up, should be a force on ST

We all leave footprints in the sands of time, just watch out for the discarded fish hooks!

by Hawkwind on Apr 26, 2009 4:13 PM MDT reply actions  

project

wouldn’t be surprised to see him on the practice squad this season with the depth already at OLB but he’s got the skills to make the transition and we’ll see how much he can contribute next year when Berry and Okeafor are gone.

by Bezekira on Apr 27, 2009 7:57 AM MDT reply actions  

I think he'll be good in coverage.

As a former WR he surely has got to understand routes and I see the transtion going a lot smoother.

by hevchv on Apr 28, 2009 9:05 AM MDT reply actions  

good point

hopefully his ankle injuries will heal up and we’ll get a real steal with this guy

by Bezekira on Apr 28, 2009 11:53 AM MDT up reply actions  

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