IDP 20/20: Jarrad Davis

Ryan Finley Posted On February 28, 2017

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Name – Jarrad Davis
College – Florida
Height/Weight – 6-foot-2, 238 lbs.
Birth Date – 1995 (21)
Class – Senior
College Stats –
2016: 60 Tackles, 29 solo, 6 tackles for loss, 2 sacks
2015: 94 Tackles, 50 solo, 11 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks
2014: 23 Tackles, 11 solo, 1 tackle for loss, 0 sacks
2013: 24 Tackles, 16 solo, 2 tackles for loss, 0 sacks
NFL Draft Round Projection: – Second Round
Current NFL comp – Fran Duffy compares Davis to Alec Ogletree, but I’m not sure I see the comp myself. There is a shared speed element, and Davis does generate good hits from that speed and his technique, but I don’t see the same ability to use his hands and shed blockers like Ogletree. I would also argue that though their sizes are nearly identical, Ogletree seemed to play bigger, and with more overall power.
Best possible destination – Green Bay has a need for a linebacker who can rack up tackles, and it could be a good destination for Davis. He’s shown the ability to wrap up, though he can get beat to the outside on occasion. Green Bay does pick in the late second, however, so I wouldn’t be surprised to see Davis get snapped up by Arizona or Detroit.
Worst possible destination – New Orleans needs help at linebacker, but Davis may be the wrong fit in the Big Easy. He has shown some coverage ability, but not to the extent that it should be a primary focus of his play at the next level, which is what the Saints likely need from the linebacker spot. I’d rather see him in the box rather than dropping into coverage.
Best current skill – Davis’ best skill, by far, is his closing speed. You can see this in his pursuit of an exposed opposing quarterback, or when he finds just the right gap and locks onto a running back. He can really turn on the jets, and his speed in those situations is impressive.
Skill that needs to be improved – There is more than one answer here, but Davis really needs to cut down on the knucklehead plays. Davis plays at 100 miles per hour the entire game, which can be a positive trait. But his play sometimes leads to late hits on quarterbacks or other players drawing flags. He bails out the opposing team far too often for my tastes, but perhaps this can be cleaned up at the next level.
Projected dynasty value – You can likely wait a little bit on Davis. While he had a huge breakout year in 2015, he lost some time to injury in 2016 and didn’t produce at the same level. There are now question marks around him, and he is perhaps the third or fourth best linebacker in this draft. I do think Davis is likely a starter wherever he ends up, and a starter at this position can produce due to volume alone, but I would wait and let someone else spend a high pick if they love Davis.
Overcoming Injury – Davis missed nearly four full games in 2016 yet still managed to finish second on the team in total tackles with 60.
But not in the combine – Thought many were looking forward to seeing how he would test in the combine, Davis’ injury situation will prevent him from participating in drills there. You’ll have to wait for his Florida Pro Day later this spring to get that 40 time.
Hit the football books early – Davis took to football at a very young age. The story is he started carrying a 3-ring binder with football plays around with him at seven years old, according to the Orlando Sentinel.
Stout Defense – Florida was ranked eighth in overall team defense in 2015, and improved to fifth overall in 2016. Davis is said to have great leadership qualities, and he is considered the heart of the great Florida defense over the past two seasons.
Only a three star recruit – Davis’ arrival in Florida was on the quiet side. Florida is a destination for many talented players, and Davis rated rather low on that account early in his career. It can be tough to stand out amongst so many more highly recruited players. But Davis changed a lot of minds in a breakout 2015 season, however.
Cited for community service – In an era rife with red flags, it is nice to see players showing positive off the field qualities. Davis was named to the SEC’s Community Service team in December of 2016 for his work with Boys and Girls Clubs, the Habitat for Humanity and other community charity organizations.
Tape doesn’t lie – Watch Davis in action and draw your own conclusions. Here’s a highlight reel.