In the last Small school Sleeper profile, we learned about a potential star in the making, WR Zay Jones. A perfect fit for the Eagles as a number 1 wide-out, Jones would add true value to a team that is searching for a dominant playmaker.
This week, we decided to address the Eagles defensive line need and talk about someone who seems to be a very attractive prospect, to scouts and General Managers alike.
Keionta Davis, DE: Chattanooga University
This prospect has been nothing short of impressive since touching ground in Tennessee. At 6’4, 265 LB’s, Davis possess the size and talent to develop into a force off the edge at the NFL level.
With 31 career sacks (2nd all time at UTC), Davis ranks behind LB David Tull and has been wreaking havoc his whole career. Both tough against the run and flashing a quick first step in the pass, he has the potential to be a 3-down Defensive End at the next level.
The two-time All-American, was named the 2016 defensive player of the year for good reason.Davis emerged as Chattanooga’s defensive leader, with his play and leadership off the field holding tremendous value.
Wanting to get a different perspective on this prospect, we reached out to NFL Guru, Fran Duffy, of the Philadelphia Eagles and Eagle Eye in the sky podcast.
“Keionta Davis may not look like a future NFL starter to some because of some athletic limitations, but he can fill a role as a rotational Defensive End, in any 4-3 scheme. He ‘gets it’ as a pass rusher by using his hands and I believe he will grow into a very good run defender. I like the way he competes; he performed well at the Senior Bowl and in his biggest test this season against Alabama (Crimson Tide). Davis is a player with limited upside.”
Speaking of his two biggest challenges, Davis, flourished against bigger completion. While facing Alabama, he had a sack, four tackles, and a forced fumble, giving potential first round pick Cam Robinson, a headache through out the game. Disrupting the tides run game early on, he would cause the Bama’ offense to struggle and really showed his potential.
Arguably the biggest challenge Davis had faced to date, was his time at this years Senior Bowl. Knowing he would be facing off against, and shoulder to shoulder with, some of the best college prospects in the country, the stage was arguably one of the biggest he has performed on. Although it was littered with FBS stars, the game was filled with guys from the little schools who would go on to shine. Tanoh Kpassagnon from Villanova University and Davis flourished under the spotlight..only aiding their draft stock.
In his time there, Davis stood out to both the media, and NFL scouts, pushing Offensive Tackles around in practice, and flashing sheer dominance. When it was all said and done, he finished with 6 tackles and a sack, proving once and for all, he belonged amongst the best.
Davis would bring a much needed pass rushing boost to the Eagles Defensive line. With his strength off the edge and his thick bottom to help in the run, Davis could serve as a great depth piece, while he learns the NFL game and could prove to be a star for years to come.
Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQ3FpUCGv88
