Mixed reviews on Miami Dolphins’ selection of defensive tackle Raekwon Davis
We’re told the Dolphins were interested in taking Ohio State running back JK Dobbins at No. 56, but Baltimore took him one spot sooner, leaving Miami without one of the top five backs in the draft.
But they filled a need with the selection of Alabama defensive tackle Raekwon Davis at No. 56. Some feedback:
ESPN’s Mel Kiper: “He can be a force but he wasn’t after a great start to his college career. Getting sacks, getting production behind the line of scrimmage. He was handled up front. He was good against the run, but you want to see a little more pass rush. You would like to see a little more disruption getting after that quarterback late in his career. It never really came together for Raekwon Davis. But he does suit defenses like Miami. He will be a good run stuffer, but pass rush is something he needs to improve and develop.”
NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein: “Rugged and powerful with elite physical traits, Davis has the ability to impose his will on opponents and dominate at the point of attack. He plays long and strong with rare leverage for a taller player and holds positioning against double teams for linebackers to flow freely.
“He was all over the backfield in 2017, but hasn’t made nearly as many plays -- against the run or pass -- since then. Despite possessing unique traits and the potential to dominate, his upside could be a moving target based upon maturity level and continued growth as a rusher. He should be a first-round pick who can come in and start right away for an odd or even front defense.
ESPN’s Booger McFarland: “They’re getting a long powerful player. When you look at the 3-4 scheme he played at Alabama, he can play inside that tackle. Has some pass rush ability from power rush standpoint, some lateral quickness. I love the power he plays with. Good leverage. Nick Saban is a very good coach of defense. He will be very technically sound and fundamentally adapt and ready to play.”
Pro Football Focus: “Twenty years ago, Davis would have likely been a first-round lock. He’s got the quintessential 5-technique build with great size and absurdly long arms. In the running game, it’s rare to see anyone other than Davis in control of one-on-one interactions. While he looks like a sure thing in that regard, it’s a skillset that you can often find off the street. The needle movers along the defensive line nowadays affect the passing game, plain and simple.
“Davis has shown minimal development in that regard since first earning a starting job as a sophomore in 2017. He earned a 62.7 pass-rushing grade that season followed by 68.5 in 2018, and 71.1 this past year. Those are uninspiring numbers for a player with Davis’ physical tools. He should have been bullying lesser college linemen and the fact that he didn’t is a big red flag.”
Here’s my piece with league reaction on Miami’s selection of Robert Hunt.
Here’s my piece with league reaction on Miami’s selection of Noah Igbinoghene.
Here’s my piece with league reaction on Miami’s selection of Tua Tagovailoa.
Here’s my piece with league reaction on Miami’s selection of Austin Jackson.
Here’s my piece on how the supplemental draft - during a pandemic - could impact the Dolphins and Hurricanes.
This story was originally published April 24, 2020 at 9:09 PM.
