There seems to be lots of talk currently surrounding our first two draft picks in Coples and Hill, but Davis seems to be an underrated topic of discussion, mainly due to being behind both Harris and Scott on the depth charts. After doing some research on Demario Davis, I've walked away with a good feeling.
What's the first thing that stood out? He's one fast linebacker. He's a natural MLB too. When we drafted Vernon Gholston, we drafted a 4-3 DE followed by forcing him to switch positions (3-4 OLB) during only his rookie season. His career was over right then and there, too much thinking on Gholston's behalf. This Davis kid seems very fast on the football field, very explosive, and you should see some of these crushing college hits that he's laid down. Very powerful kid. Seems to use his speed combined with bruit power to actually tackle with MOMENTUM. That's the easiest way I can describe his tackling ability.
4.40 was the fastest 40 time ever recorded at the combine, in regards to the LB position that is. Davis ran a 4.61. Which was fast enough to rank him 4th amongst linebackers coming out of this years draft class. We all asked for speed at the MLB position last season, we drafted just that in Demario Davis.
When I used words such as bruit power, momentum, explosive, crushing hits, powerful etc, etc. It's no secret why either, he put up 32 bench reps. Which was good enough to rank 2nd amongst linebackers coming out of this years draft class. Only one LB could out bench Davis, a kid by the name of Ronnell Lewis, he set the LB record during this years combine with 36 reps.
When watching him on tape, you'll see that he's more than just fast and powerful, he's also very athletic considering the fact that he's an MLB. Ranked 2nd out of all LB's in vertical jumping ability, measured out at 38.5; only behind Mychal Kendricks who posted a vert jump of 39.5. Outside of the WR position, his vertical jump was good enough to land 5th place of all players coming out.
He posted a 10'4'' broad jump as well. Good enough to place 2nd, behind only Mychal Kendricks who set the bar with a 10'7'' broad jump. AJ Hawk still holds the record of 11'1" (in regards to LB's that is).
His 3 cone drill, 20 yard shuttle and 60 yard shuttle times weren't nearly as strong as his other workouts/skill challenges. Placed 5th in the 60 yard shuttle with a time of 11.65 seconds. Von Miller set the record last year with a 60 yard shuttle time of 11.15 seconds. He also placed 7th in the 20 yard shuttle with a time of 4.28 seconds. Brandon Marshall set the bar with a 20 yard shuttle time of 4.09 secons. Lastly, Davis paced 13th in the 3 cone drill with a time of 7.19 seconds. Nathan Stupar put up the quickest time, ran the 3 cone drill in only 6.84 seconds.
Just thought it would be nice to see how Demario Davis compares to opposing rookie LB's coming into the league. 2nd in bench pressing, 2nd highest vertical jump, 2nd furthest broad jump, 4th in the 40 yard dash, 5th in the 60 yard shuttle, 7th in the 20 yard shuttle and 13th in the 3 cone drill. Based off of only combine performance as well as intangibles, it would appear as if the Jets landed a top 5 linebacker talent.
Those were his combine numbers, but by watching the first Youtube clip (an interview) you'll see that Davis feels that he performed even better during his pro day. Running 40 times of 4.46, 4.47 and 4.51.
I'm thinking that both Aaron Maybin and Demario Davis can provide our front 7 with the type of speed that we've needed for a couple of years now. He's listed as being 6'2, 235 pounds. Bart Scott is listed as the same height (6'2) and only 7 pounds heavier at 242 pounds. Vilma is listed as 6'1, 230 pounds. If he can pack on another 4-6 pounds while keeping his athletic ability? I'm pretty sure that he'll have the overall body size/build to play the role of both an ILMB inside of a 3-4 scheme as well as a 4-3 MLB when running a 4-3 defense.
I really like this 3rd round draft selection. His development as a rookie could become pivotal to our defense. If he's able to spell Bart Scott as our 3rd IMLB, Scott could end up having a very solid/healthy season. If he's able to impact as a rookie, he could possible man down the MLB position when running a 4-3 defense, because we all know neither Harris nor Scott have the sideline to sideline speed/quickness to cause havoc as an MLB inside of a 4-3 scheme. Demario Davis just might.
If he does impact as a rookie, and we're able to feature him as our MLB when switching to a 4-3 defense... Which 7 players would you have man down the front 7 in a 4-3 scheme, who would become our two OLB's, two DT's and two pass rushing DE's?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SpJJndcgzOE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=insE7hE_Czs
