CONTENT

Post Draft Analysis
Youtube Highlights
ESPN Insider Draft Analysis (paid subscription)
NFL.COM Draft Analysis
NFL Draft Bible Analysis (paid subscription)
Pro Football Focus Draft Analysis (paid subscription)
Pro Football Network (Tony Pauline) Analysis
Bleacher Report Analysis

 

 

POST DRAFT ANALYSIS

Walter Football *
The Dolphins apparently felt it necessary to trade up for a guard after the Raiders did the very same thing. This was a smart decision. Solomon Kindley, a large lineman who moves well for his size, could have easily gone in the second or early third round. The Dolphins are addressing a huge need with him.
Grade: A+

Pro Football Focus *
Solomon Kindley didn’t even crack the top 250 on our board, and we didn’t view as anything more than a late Day 3 product. He has slow feet and balance issues that give us a cause for concern about his pass protection at the NFL level.

CBS Sports (Chris Trapasso) *
Kindley is a mammoth people-mover who grows roots in pass pro and will toss defenders in the run game. Very adept as a combo blocker. Better movement than his size indicates. Needs to get better resetting his hands when beaten by counter. Love this for Tua and Dolphins ground game.
Grade: A

NFL.com (Mark Dulgerian) *
The Dolphins trotted out an offensive line that allowed NFL worsts in both run stuff rate and pressure rate last year. They continue to build up a wall for their offense with the massive Kindley. He may be a year away, but he adds some "dog" to that line. -- Mark Dulgerian

Pro Football Network *

• Tony Pauline: Solomon Kindley was all over draft boards for a variety of reason. He’s another dominant small area mauler who will help improve Miami’s run blocking.
  
• Andrew DiCecco: The Dolphins continue to build around Tua Tagovailoa, adding Solomon Kindley to the offensive line. Kindley is a powerful interior player with the strength to anchor. His specialty is pass protection, but he plays with an edge in the running game.

 

 

 

 

 

Kindley played in 42 games with 32 starts, all at guard. He is wide-bodied with average arm length and big hands. He shows good awareness in pass protection but limited range. He's more country strong than powerful, and he ends up on the ground too often and falls off too many blocks. Kindley grades out as a backup guard with enough potential to possibly develop into a starter in the NFL. -- April 2020

Pre-Draft Analysis
Kindley is a massive guard with below-average arm length, He's a strong run-blocker but falls off blocks and ends up on the ground too much. He shows good awareness but doesn't mirror well in pass pro. He has started at left and right guard. -- Steve Muench

 

Player Bio

Kindley was a Class AAA second-team all-state pick at Jacksonville's Raines High School before moving north to Athens. The three-star recruit played in one game as a reserve in 2016 and took a redshirt. SEC coaches named him to their All-Freshman team after he started seven of 15 games played at right guard in 2017. Kindley's play as a 14-game starter at right guard his sophomore campaign gained him a share of the Bulldogs' Most Improved Player award on offense. He started 11 of 13 games played at left guard in 2019, missing some time with a lower right leg injury, and then decided to leave school for the NFL.

Analysis

• NFL Comparison - Denver Kirkland

Overview

Nasty guard who lives in scrap mode, looking for fights inside a relatively small phone booth where he's most comfortable. Kindley has the frame of a powerful guard, but doesn't bend well enough to generate leverage and push at the point of attack. He's a mauler with enough finesse to get to some reach and cut-off blocks, but faces scheme limitations. Slide quickness is limited and his tendency to lunge allows rushers to work around his edge earlier than teams like. The size and toughness are great, but Kindley needs to play with better control and technique in order to become an average NFL backup.

Strengths

• Wide frame from chest to ankles
• Plays with nasty disposition
• Seems to get into defender's heads at least once per game
• Hustles into cut-off positioning from back-side
• Consistent sliding feet around target to wall-off after engagement
• Power in hips and upper body to torque opponent off-balance
• Feet are a little more nimble than expected
• Adequate pop in hands in pass pro
• Hung in against South Carolina DT Javon Kinlaw's power rush

Weaknesses

• Helmet comes before hands into first contact
• Dips and strikes with headgear as weapon
• Poor knee bend to leverage and root out double-team blocks
• Struggles to keep blocks centered
• Below-average acceleration into block fits
• Wide base in pass pro opens him to counters
• Quickness to mirror and keep the rush in front of him is an issue
• Lunges toward rusher rather than sliding his feet
• Below-average reactive athleticism to catch loopers on twists

 

SOLOMON KINDLEY | Georgia | OL | #66 | JR | 6032 | 337 | 1000 | 3228
| 7768 | 5.50e | Jacksonville, FL | Raines HS | 07.3197 | NIC | 7.8/8.8 | Rd2

Overview:
A mainstay on the offensive line for the better part of the last three seasons, Kindley boasts a mammoth, imposing frame at 6-4 and 335 pounds. He is a super physical blocker who plays with outstanding effort on a snap to snap basis. In drive and down block situations, Kindley does some of his best work. Once he is able to latch on and gain leverage, defensive players have a hard time counteracting his power-momentum. An outstanding competitor, he clearly takes his one on one battles personally. As a pass blocker, he does his best work as a quick setter to use his physicality to his advantage early in reps. With a sloppily put together build and overstated length, space is not KIndley’s friend. When working laterally, he has a difficult time working half a man to gain leverage. Any type of zone concept in the run game is going to be a tough time for Kindley, lacking the ability to counteract speed working over gap to gap laterally. In pass protection, Kindley isn’t able to reset once his base is compromised. A lack of functional athleticism and length issues makes it difficult to reassert leverage. His aggressiveness in the run game can come back to hurt Kindley as times as well. He often gets too far over his toes, becoming a victim to getting his weight too far over his toes. Kindley is not going to be for everyone. For a team who employs a power heavy running scheme, look for Kindley to be selected during the mid-rounds and could develop into a starter down the road.

Background:
Full name is Solomon Terry Kindley. Raised in a single-parent household by his mother Lashonna Johnson. Attended Raines High School near Jacksonville, Florida, and was coached by Deran Wiley. Rated a three-star prospect by Rivals and ESPN, #40 OG nationally, and #99 prospect in Florida. Majored in Sport Management at Georgia.

Career:
Started 32 games at both guard spots during his three seasons at Georgia. He played through an ankle injury in 2019. A three-star recruit, he developed into a top-notch starter.

 

After seeing some action at right guard in 2017 and struggling in pass-pro, Kindley joined teammate Andrew Thomas, who was playing right tackle, in moving to other side of the line for the 2018 season. Kindley was the starting left guard for Georgia over the last couple seasons and was a far better player, ranking among the 15 best at the alignment in overall grade both years.

The move marginally improved his run-blocking, but his pass-blocking was night and day, raising his 61.0 pass-block grade in 2017 to 88.3 in 2018. Kindley allowed a few more pressures in 2019 and had just a 75.9 pass-block grade, but that was still above average relative to his counterparts.

Kindley is a big boy who thrived in the SEC by straight leaning on dudes. He got a lot of play by simply being 330+ pounds and being able to play with leverage. That play doesn't quite translate to the NFL though. It also got unceremoniously exposed far more often this past season than it did in 2018. He looks the part of an NFL player, but he's a late day 3 prospect.

PROS

CONS

COMPARABLES

SNAPS BY ALIGNMENT

 

Solomon Kindley, G

Career Snapshot:
Two-year starter at left guard. Made seven starts at right guard as a sophomore in 2017.

Positives:
Powerful, wide-bodied blocker who is best in a small area. Explosive and blocks with tremendous pad level. Plays with power, shows the ability to handle big, bulky defenders and gets movement as a run blocker. Stays square, keeps his feet moving and plays through the whistle. Keeps his head on a swivel and works well with linemates.

Negatives:
Minimally effective at the second level or in motion. Struggles to slide in space.

Analysis:
Kindley is a dominant run blockerwho is best in a small area. He’s a solid prospect for a non-zone-blocking scheme at the next level, and if Kindley could eventually break into a starting lineup on Sundays if properly coached.

 

OG Solomon Kindley, Georgia

STRENGTHS

—Made 32 starts at guard in the toughest division in college football and has played in high-stakes situations that will rival NFL environments.

—Excellent overall frame (6'3", 337 lbs) with adequate length (32¼") and size throughout; will have no trouble playing on the interior in the NFL.

—Has a bone-crusher mentality and looks to assert his dominance on every rep; plays like a throwback at the position.

—Much better footwork than expected given his size and shows the beginnings of a soft-footed pass protector; he reverts back to bad habits, but the fluidity flashes at times.

—Heavy-handed puncher who can deliver strikes and eat them just the same; won't get dog-walked into the quarterback's lap.

WEAKNESSES

—Drops his eyes into contact far too often; aside from being remarkably dangerous, creates natural balance concerns and an inability to latch on and drive.

— Average-at-best athleticism given his size; isn't able to remain square, which creates a soft edge for linebackers to rip through.

—Carries weight in his midsection and would benefit from building his body to carry the weight more evenly; could improve some athletic shortcomings with a focus on strength and conditioning.

—Has a tendency to stop his feet and be content with leaning against opposition at the line of scrimmage late in games; would like to see him keep his feet hot in critical moments.

OVERALL

Kindley often plays like two completely different players. Sometimes it's a tale of two halves, sometimes it's different games, but the worst is when it's play-to-play. He has to become more consistent in his technique to challenge as a starter in the NFL. He has all of the power, nastiness and fundamental footwork needed to be a good NFL guard, but he too often reverts to bad habits in his play to be more than a backup piece early in his career.

GRADE: 55

PRO COMPARISON: Rodger Saffold/Jamon Brown

 

CONTENT

Post Draft Analysis
Youtube Highlights
ESPN Insider Draft Analysis (paid subscription)
NFL.COM Draft Analysis
NFL Draft Bible Analysis (paid subscription)
Pro Football Focus Draft Analysis (paid subscription)
Pro Football Network (Tony Pauline) Analysis
Bleacher Report Analysis

 

POST DRAFT ANALYSIS

Yahoo! Sports (Eric Edholm) *
Intangibles are likely the attraction here, as Jones checks those boxes in dark ink. He’s not big nor all that forceful, but he plays full-tilt and can man both safety spots when healthy. Jones has been banged up quite a bit, and the playmaking ability appears to be lacking, but he’s a team-first guy with good special teams skill as well.
Draft Grade: C

Walter Football *
Yuck! I had Brandon Jones in the sixth round of my 2020 NFL Mock Draft, so this is a major reach. I imagine the Dolphins are doing this after being salty after missing out on all the second-day safeties. I get it, but they're undergoing a two-year rebuilding process. There was no need to reach for an undersized safety like this, despite the major need.
Draft Grade: O'BRIAN

Pro Football Focus *
After missing out on several of the top safeties that were available earlier on Day 2, the Dolphins picked up Brandon Jones — who was 182nd on the PFF Draft Board — to help fill that void. Yikes. Whenever he was playing free safety, Jones was a problem for the Texas defense as he was exposed far more than he should have been. He might be a better option for slot corner than deep safety in Miami’s defense.

ESPN (Mel Kiper Jr.) *
Love the versatility of Brandon Jones. He did a lot during his career at Texas. You think about this past season; had 64 solos of the 86 tackles, which led that Longhorn defense. Had 4.5 tackles for loss, broke up four tackles, had couple interceptions, forced a fumble. What I really like is he can play high, can play in the slot. That’s what really got my attention this past season was his ability to cover out of the slot. That’s critical in the NFL. Defensive coordinators love safeties who can do that and provide that defensive versatility.

CBS Sports (Pete Prisco) *
Super-chippy, safety/cornerback hybrid who really flies around. Small frame. Gets overwhelmed against the run. Good, not great fluidity and speed. Another defensive prospect for Miami. Just way early.
Grade D+

Sporting News (Vinnie Iyer) *
The Dolphins had a major secondary void at safety after cutting Reshad Jones, so they get another Jones to play with new cornerback Byron Jones and first-round rookie nickel back Noah Igbinoghene. This Jones (5-11, 198 pounds) is a good run-stopping, rangy player, but he needs to improve to be consistent in coverage.
Grade: C

NFL.com (Chad Reuter) *
Jones meets a major need for the Dolphins, as their depth at safety was severely lacking. He wasn't able to work out at the NFL Scouting Combine because of a shoulder injury, which might have hurt him a bit, but he presents enough athleticism, intelligence and toughness to be a long-time starter.

Pro Football Network (Tony Pauline) *
Brandon Jones is a safety I’ve ranked highly the past three years and he takes his game to Miami. He’s a hard-hitting defensive back with solid size and better than average speed. He has potential at both free and strong safety.

Pro Football Network (Andrew DiCecco) *
Dolphins continue to revamp their secondary, taking Texas safety Brandon Jones a round earlier than I projected. Jones plays bigger than his size would indicate and offers deep cover skills, but likely won’t supplant Eric Rowe or Adrian Colbert in his first year.

Brian Flores (Head Coach) *
“It’s his whole game. He’s a good football player. He’s smart, he tackles, he covers, he can play on (special) teams….The more that we got to spend time – they showed that thing about him watching every team’s (defensive plays). He’s a really good football player and an all-around football player … this coaching staff is always looking for.I’d say first and foremost, he’s a good player. I don’t want guys to feel like if they just show up and show us that they watch a lot of tape, that we are going to draft them. That’s certainly not the case. This is a guy who is a guy who is smart and he communicates, and that’s obviously an important part of the game. He can run, he tackles, he does a lot of good things physically. While that was impressive, what we saw on the field was the lion share of the evaluation we made.”

 

 

 

 

 

Jones, three-year starter and a team captain in 2019, is an above-average tackler who is active in run support and chases with excellent effort. He plays bigger than his size and looks to separate receivers from the ball in coverage. He has enough speed to cover a deep half. He doesn't have the playing speed or the instincts of a true center fielder. He's opportunistic, but he's not a ball hawk. He has short arms and small hands. He's a fearless punt returner who averaged 11.5 yards per punt return. He underwent shoulder surgery following the 2019 season. -- April 2020

Pre-Draft Analysis
Jones is an excellent tackler who is active in run support and chases with effort. He plays bigger than his size and looks to separate receivers from the ball in coverage. He doesn't have the playing speed or the instincts of a true center fielder. Jones is opportunistic but not a ball hawk. He's a fearless punt returner who averaged 10.8 yards per punt return. -- Steve Muench

 

Player Bio

Jones submitted a request for feedback from the NFL Draft Advisory Committee last year and said he was happy with the result. He decided to return to Austin for his senior year, though, because of the team's potential as a championship contender. Jones picked up second-team All-Big 12 notice in 2019 as a 12-game starter (86 tackles, 4.5 for loss, one sack, two interceptions, four pass breakups). A shoulder injury limited him to minimal play in the team's bowl game. He had garnered honorable mention All-Big 12 honors in 2018 (70 tackles, 5.5 for loss, two interceptions in 10 starts) despite missing time with head and ankle injuries. He had started 12 games the previous year, recording 61 tackles, four for loss, and breaking up two passes. The former top-50 national prospect from Nacogdoches, Texas, started one game as a true freshman in 2016 (16 tackles, one safety, two blocked kicks in 12 games). Jones' father, Bert, played football at Stephen F. Austin.

Analysis

• Draft Projection - Round 4

Overview

He's got a thumper's heart but doesn't have the frame to carry the pop necessary to handle that role. While Jones played boundary, field, and nickel safety position at Texas, he'll likely be pegged as a two-deep or single-high free safety due to man coverage limitations but above-average speed. He plays with good urgency and has soft hands, but just average instincts, which limited his ball production. He could get pushed up a round if he's a big tester. He has third-safety potential and offers early help on special teams.

Strengths

• Played all three safety positions for the defense
• Attacking demeanor and wants to be in the action
• Will play with pain
• Motor to pursue ball-carriers from across the field
• Displays agility and reactive athleticism as open-field tackler
• Alters pursuit angles when needed
• Speed/range to play over the top
• Runs with deep cover targets and looks for the football
• Can step into early role on kick/punt cover teams

Weaknesses

• Can be exploited in man coverage
• Needs to play with better route anticipation
• Average response time and lateral burst at break points
• Very few pass breakups during his career
• Instincts are just average
• Could have issues handling big targets on jump balls
• Doesn't have size to stop runs in their tracks
• Can be a little slow to read and react to run from single-high

 

BRANDON JONES | Texas | FS | #19 | SR | 5111 | 198 | 0868 | 3018 | 7448 |
4.49e | Nacogdoches, TX | Nacogdoches HS | 04.02.98 | NIC | 7.2/8.8 | Rd4

Overview:
Blessed with prototypical size and speed that NFL teams covet at the safety position, Jones could be in the mix for first round consideration. He showed plenty of grit and
toughness last season, playing through a high ankle sprain for most of the season, while flashing his catlike quickness and ability to cover a tremendous amount of ground. The ankle
eventually required surgery in February of 2019 and limited him in spring. His aggressiveness is a plus, as Jones has shown the propensity to come up with a handful of momentum-changing
plays. In addition, his experience and maturity are two traits that evaluators are going to greatly appreciate. Jones is a high character person on and off the field-- or as Texas head coach Tom Herman puts it, “A Marry-your-daughter kind of guy.” A four-star member of Charlie Strong’s final recruiting class at Texas, Jones mostly made his mark on special teams as a freshman. Coming out of Todd Orlando’s defense is also another feather in his cap, considering the draft picks he has produced in his days at Texas as well as in Houston. While his play can be streaky, with Jones taking his fair share of risks, his experience and maturity have seemed to win out, helping to limit some of his mistakes. He’ll need to continue to hone in some of his aggressiveness, which shouldn’t necessarily be viewed as a negative, as he makes plenty of momentum changing plays to make up for his misses. Jones sat out games against Tulsa and West
Virginia in 2018 due to an ankle injury and sat out the second half of another game due to a head injury, he also had surgery to repair a torn labrum following his 2019 campaign and was
unable to workout at the combine. His ability to play in the box or centerfielder will endear him to teams and his versatility certainly bodes well for his stock but durability will be a concern.

Background:
Son of Sarah and Bert Jones. Father played football at Stephen F. Austin from 1986-88. Coached by Bobby Reyes at Nacogdoches High School. All-America and two-time all-state
and all-district honoree. Selected to participate in the 2016 Under Armour All-America Game. Helped Nacogdoches to a 7-4 overall record, including a 3-2 district mark, with an appearance
in the 4A Division I bi-district playoffs in 2013; also competed in track and field (100m, 4x100m, 4x200m) at Nacogdoches. Ran anchor for the 4x200m team that finished third in the UIL 4A
State Championships in 2014. Sport Management major at Texas.

Career:
Fourth-year defensive back who has played in 42 career games with 31 starts. Recorded 232 tackles at Texas, 14 for loss. Had 3 interceptions, 3 fumble recoveries, and 2 forced
fumbles. Also returned 14 punts for the Longhorns and averaged 11.5 yards a return.

Q&A:
How did you prepare for the combine? I had to get my labrum repaired (in shoulder) about seven weeks ago, so I’m not able to do anything at the combine. I’m here to interview and do
the medical stuff. The thing I did was try to grow the mental side of the game. I watched film of all 32 teams, created a binder with games I watched, probably six or seven hours a day, watching three or four games, growing from that standpoint. I like to build my game anyway I can, and that was the only thing I could do because I couldn’t do anything physically.

Q&A:
So you watched every play of defense for all 32 teams in the 2019 season? That was the plan. At first the plan was to watch every single play, but that took a super, super long time I
wanted to be able to get this binder done by the time I got to the combine. So I ended up watching three to four games per team, depending on snaps. Some teams had 79 snaps some teams
50 snaps in a game. It was tough. It took a long time because I didn’t know the exact coverage they were in. So I had to just guess based off what I saw from the safeties.

Q&A:
What has been the reaction of teams? It’s a different trend. They said it’s something they’ve never seen before. I kind of have a different responsibility. A lot of guys have to focus on running fast and lifting weight. All I could do was rehab.

 

PROS

CONS

COMPARABLES

SNAPS BY ALIGNMENT

NFL COMPARISON: Patrick Chung

 

Brandon Jones, S

Career Snapshot:
Three-year starter who earned Second Team All-Big 12 honors and made 86 tackles (4.5 for loss) with two interceptions and four pass breakups as a senior in 2019. Made 70 tackles (5.5 for loss) with two INTs as a junior.

Positives:
Hard-hitting safety who shows ball skills between the numbers. Strong, possesses outstanding size and defeats blocks to get to the action. Solid run defender who is forceful up the field and plays physical football. Efficient, keeps the action in front of him and takes proper angles to the play. Explodes into ball carriers, shows himself to be a big hitter and forces turnovers. Displays solid ball skills facing the action. Very effective between the numbers.

Negatives:
Displays limited quickness and plays to one speed. Lacks explosive closing burst. Occasionally late to pick up assignments, which leads to blown coverages.

Analysis:
Jones has been a productive safety the past three years after he caught my eye as a sophomore at Texas. He possesses range limitations, but he’s a traditional strong safety who can also line up in a zone system.

 

S Brandon Jones, Texas

STRENGTHS

—Four-year contributor at Texas who played everywhere from special teams to strong safety to lining up a ton in slot coverage during his senior season.
—Explosive, athletic safety who could play anywhere in an NFL secondary.
—Good, reliable, powerful tackler who made his name on special teams as a gunner.
—Showed his coverage chops in 2019 when asked to lock up in man coverage while playing from the nickel position.
—Intriguing height/weight/speed player who has coverage skills to make an immediate NFL impact as a cornerback, safety or nickel defender.

WEAKNESSES

—Missed the Senior Bowl and NFL Scouting Combine because of injuries.
—Doesn't have a natural position and may be in for a long developmental process.
—Lacks an elite trait that you fall in love with.
—Bounced off runners as a tackler and doesn't always have natural wrap-up skills.

OVERALL

Jones is an exciting prospect from an athletic standpoint, but he needs time to develop once he finds a home at one position. Texas moved him all over the defense, which may have been to his detriment. Jones' injury in the predraft circuit also didn't help with no pro days or workouts, but we like his chances to eventually break into a safety rotation.

GRADE: 72

PRO COMPARISON: Devin McCourty/Jessie Bates III

 

CONTENT

Post Draft Analysis
Youtube Highlights
ESPN Insider Draft Analysis (paid subscription)
NFL.COM Draft Analysis
NFL Draft Bible Analysis (paid subscription)
Pro Football Focus Draft Analysis (paid subscription)
Pro Football Network (Tony Pauline) Analysis
Walter Football Analysis
Bleacher Report Analysis

 

POST DRAFT ANALYSIS

Yahoo! Sports (Eric Edholm) *
The Dolphins dip back into the Tuscaloosa well for talent. Davis had a big 2017 season but never really looked the same since then. He’s likely to be a dirty-work grunt inside next to Christian Wilkins, especially if the Dolphins run more odd fronts. Davis is a solid run defender, but doesn’t have a whole lot of upside despite a massive, long frame.
Draft Grade: C

Walter Football *
Raekwon Davis' stock has slipped since an explosive 2017 season. The Dolphins might be getting a great bargain if Davis can play that well again. The Dolphins needed to add players who can pressure the quarterback, so this is a solid choice.
Draft Grade: B

Pro Football Focus *
Raekwon Davis comes in at just 115th on the PFF Big Board, the lowest player taken to this point. Davis has all the length that you could want inside, and he has put up run-defense grades of 87.0 or higher in each of the past three seasons. The reason he comes in so low for us is that there isn’t much at all in the way of pass-rushing moves or quickness that leads you to believe he’ll ever be an impact player in that phase of the game.

ESPN (Mel Kiper Jr.) *
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.

CBS Sports (Pete Prisco) *
Davis is scary big and long on the defensive line and is a stellar run stopper. But has very minimal pass-rushing prowess. No legit burst. Doesn't play with pass-rush plans. Strange pick.
Grade: D+

Sporting News (Vinnie Iyer) *
Miami needed defensive tackle pop at some point on Day 2, and it gets some with an ideal player for Brian Flores’ front. Davis (6-6, 311 pounds) is a massive, versatile player who can line up at either tackle or end to eat space against the run.
Draft Grade: A

NFL.com (Chad Reuter) *
Davis did not offer much production for the Tide last year, but he's a powerful player between the tackles. He was a bit lower on my board than Miami's, apparently.

Pro Football Network (Tony Pauline) *
In Raekwon Davis, the Dolphins get a potential steal on the defensive line. As a sophomore in 2017, Davis looked like a legitimate first-round pick yet his game leveled off and even regressed in some spots. He’s a massive athlete who beats opponents with power or quickness but must get back to his former level of play.

Pro Football Network (Andrew DiCecco) *
The Dolphins continue to build the trenches under Brian Flores, adding Raekwon Davis to play alongside Christian Wilkins. Davis has an innate burst off the line of scrimmage, and despite his length, plays with solid leverage. His play tailed off last season, but if he can return to form, the Dolphins will have two blue-chip talents along the interior.

Kirk Herbstreit (ABC/ESPN Analyst) *
He gets the award for the most intimidating player in college football. [But] he didn’t produce the way he looks. He’s got to be more of a playmaker when he goes into the NFL and live up to the ability he has.

 

 

 

 

 

The past three seasons (2017-19), Davis has been a full-time starter and has played in 41 of 43 games, combining for 171 total tackles, 18.5 tackles for loss and 11.5 sacks. A tall, powerfully-built defensive end who carries his weight extremely well, Davis has heavy and quick hands. He flashes the ability to jar offensive lineman with initial contact and frequently gets pressure when turned loose. But he lacks some body control and can be slow to redirect, which leads to some sacks being left on the field. Davis is a highly-gifted and scheme-versatile defensive lineman with a strong combination of size, length, quickness and power. He had a breakout season in 2017, took a step back in 2018 and then rebounded in 2019. He will never be an elite pass-rusher but has the tools to continue to improve. He's also a highly-effective and versatile run defender. The biggest challenge in the NFL will be making sure he has a strong support system and leadership around him. -- March 2020

Pre-Draft Analysis
Davis is a highly gifted and scheme-versatile defensive lineman with a strong combination of size, length, quickness and power. He's an effective run stopper with the upper-body strength to stack and control blockers when he keeps his pads down. Davis will never be an elite pass-rusher, but he has violent hands and frequently gets pressure when turned loose. -- Steve Muench

 

Player Bio

One of the top 100 recruits of the class of 2016, Davis had to wait until after the first week of his freshman season to find out whether he would be academically eligible to play for the Tide. He got the go-ahead, then contributed in seven games as a reserve (four tackles, one sack) that season. Davis became a playmaker as a sophomore, garnering first-team All-SEC honors by posting 69 tackles, 10 for loss, and a team-high 8.5 sacks in 14 games (six starts). He became a star nationwide during Alabama's title run in 2017, making 10 tackles, two sacks, and an interception in the team's two playoff wins. Davis' production went down a bit during his junior season (55 tackles, 5.5 for loss, 1.5 sacks in 15 games, 14 starts) so he decided to return to the Tide for the 2019 season. His production dropped again as a senior, though he still earned second-team all-conference notice from league coaches (47 tackles, three for loss, 0.5 sack in 12 starts).

Analysis

• Draft Projection - Rounds 2-3
• NFL Comparison - DeForest Buckner

Overview

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.

Strengths

• Elite combination of height, weight and length
• Elite two-gapper who sets a strong edge
• Bends well and plays from positions of leverage
• Initial hands are quick and fierce
• Shows ability to bludgeon blockers and impose will
• Corkscrews into the turf to ward off double teams
• Rarely loses ground to power
• Adequate range to chase plays
• Highly effective punch-and-shed timing to tackle
• Heavy behind his pads when tackling
• Freight train rush tactics overwhelm lesser guards
• Greases blocker's edge with heavy hands
• Pulls himself around blocks with smooth arm-over looks

Weaknesses

• Scouts say maturity has been a concern in the past
• Movement can be leggy and inefficient
• Loses track of the football
• More two-gap plugger than playmaker
• Worn down and non-factor in second half against LSU
• More pocket-denter than QB-getter as rusher
• Long strider with below-average foot quickness as rusher
• Rush plan and go-to moves haven't really developed
• Pocket pursuit lacks control, leading to missed sacks

 

RAEKWON DAVIS | Alabama | DT | #99 | SR | 6061 | 311
| 1100 | 3378 | 8528 | 5.12 | Meridian, MS | Meridian HS | 06.10.97 | NIC |
7.7/8.9 |Rd2

Overview:
The frustrating case of Davis is sure to be debated in war rooms around the league. He exploded onto the scene as a sophomore sensation, tallying 10.5 tackles for loss (eight
sacks) and coming up big in the playoffs during the Crimson Tide National Championship run. Unfortunately, we have seen little of those flashes of dominance since. The Mississippi native
admitted after the season that he bought into his own media hype and didn’t play with enough focus in 2019, while also battling through an ankle injury. The previous season, he was seen
on the back of a milk cartons for all of 2018, only to be found when he was being disciplined for throwing punches at a Missouri player. In 2017, Davis was struck in the leg by a stray bullet but played in the season opener just a few days after. He was said to be uncooperative with the police and unconfirmed whispers are that Davis may have accidentally shot himself. There were also concerns surrounding his academic eligibility as a freshman in 2016. While it has been a long, winding road of ups and downs, there is still some love within the scouting
community for all of his talents on the field. The tallest defensive lineman at the combine, Davis possesses big paws and massive arms (seven-foot wingspan). Earlier in his career, he showed extraordinary athleticism, able to create havoc from the interior or on the edge but make no mistake, his bread and butter will be as a strong, powerful run-stuffer up front. The coaching staff swears by his work ethic, competitive drive and superb conditioning. When he’s on, he can be a one-man wrecking machine and for that, teams will be tempted by his great potential.

Background:
Raekwon is from Meridian, Mississippi where he played for Coach Larry Weems at Meridian High School. As a senior, he recorded 55 tackles, 12.5 TFL and 8.5 sacks, which
resulted in him participating in the Army All-American game. He was unanimously rated a 4-star recruit by every major recruiting outlet and got rated as high as the No. 7 DT in his class.
Career: Raekwon was the clear leader of the Alabama defensive front in his junior (won the CFP Championship) and senior season. In 48 games, he recorded 175 tackles, 19.5 TFL, and 11.5
sacks with most of them (8.5) coming in his sophomore season when he earned First Team All-SEC accolades from the conference coaches. He is also a 2x Second Team All-SEC player.

Career:
In 44 career games, made 175 tackles (67 solo), 19.5 tackles for loss (11.5 sacks), one interception, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.

Q&A:
How did you get shot in the leg? At the wrong place at the wrong time, honestly. Wasn't nothing like a big situation, just at the wrong place at the wrong time.
73

Q&A:
Why do you think there was a drop off in your game this past season? I honestly couldn't answer that but there were a lot of things I wasn't doing to improve my game. I wasn't really
focused enough sometimes and a lot of stuff I wasn't doing.

Q&A:
Is it true that you let the media hype get into your head at Alabama? Yeah, definitely media, they got in my head, just got into the hype.

 

PROS

CONS

COMPARIBLES

SNAPS BY ALIGNMENT

 

2020 NFL Draft Scouting Report
Raekwon Davis, DT, Alabama

Career Snapshot
Two-year starter who made 43 tackles (2.5 for loss) with one interception and seven pass breakups as a senior in 2019. Made 44 tackles (3.5 for loss) with two interceptions and 10 pass breakups as a junior.

Positives
Large, explosive defensive tackle who plays with good athleticism. Quick off the snap, resilient and shows the ability to get off blocks to make the tackle. Consistently doubled by opponents, stout at the point of attack and impossible to move from the line. Bends his knees, plays with leverage and effectively uses his hands to protect himself. Stout run defender who flashes the ability to get outside the pocket to make plays.

Negatives
Marginal pass rusher who has limitations in anything other than a small area. Never really capitalized on a tremendous sophomore season.

Analysis
Davis is a large, strong defensive lineman who occupies blocks and makes plays against the run. He’s more of a two-down defender, but he offers scheme versatility with the ability to line up in either three or four-man fronts.

 

#99
HT: 6’7″
WT: 312 lbs
DOB: N/A
Year: Senior
High School: Meridian (Meridian, MS)
Accolades: Senior Bowl. 2019 2nd Team All-American. 2018 2nd Team All-SEC.

Athleticism:
Raekwon Davis is not of this world. Extremely quick for a man his size, has excellent quick feet and gets around blockers with ease.

Strength/Power:
Dominates 1v1 matchups. Davis usually got out of these blocks with a bull rush. Moves blockers consistently and at will. Davis does struggle to deal with double team blocks. He seems to get caught up in a lock-down and tries to escape it with power. He’s not that powerful.

Pass Rush Ability:
Davis is an ample pass rusher. Despite his size, Davis has a great arsenal of moves that he uses after attempting to win with power. He’s a difficult man to block, because of his blend of athleticism, strength and versatility.

Run Defending Ability:
Davis is an excellent run defender. Positions himself often to make plays on the running back, most of the time behind the line of scrimmage.

Instincts/Football IQ:
Davis shows excellent instincts. Always seems to know when the ball is coming his way and adjusts adequately to position himself to make the play. Alabama lined him up across the formation as a 1, 3 and 5 tech. He was dominant all across the line.

Overall:
Raekwon Davis is an incredible talent. It’s insane to think that he might be the third-best interior defender in this class, behind Auburn’s Derrick Brown and South Carolina’s Javon Kinlaw. Davis has a massive size, eats double teams, and is an impact player in the backfield. I like Davis as a mid-to-late first round selection, although he is probably a top fifteen talent.

 

 

Raekwon Davis Scouting Report
By Charlie Campbell

Strengths:

• Special run-stuffing nose tackle
• Superb lateral anchor
• Impossible to move at the point of attack
• Holds his gap
• Absorbs double teams
• Very tough, plays violent
• Disruptive run defender
• Strong hands
• Uses hands and feet at same time
• Ability to shed blocks
• Can get a push working upfield

Weaknesses:

• Not an interior pass-rusher
• Lacks quickness
• Lacks athleticism
• Doesn't have a role in the sub package
• Two-down defender at most
• Could Davis have similar injury issues to other Alabama players?
  

Summary:
Alabama has been a factory for defensive line talent under Nick Saban. Marcell Dareus, Jonathan Allen, Da'Ron Payne, Quinnen Williams and Jarran Reed were all early-round picks this decade, and Davis will keep that tradition going in the 2020 NFL Draft.

Davis had only four tackles and a sack as a freshman in backup duty. Thus, many didn't see Davis' breakout 2017 campaign as the replacement for Allen. Davis formed a lethal interior with Payne and was Alabama's most consistent pass rusher. The sophomore totaled 8.5 sacks, 10 tackles for a loss, 69 tackles and one interception. He came up with some big performances in the playoff games to help Alabama win another National Championship.

In 2018, Davis totaled 55 tackles with 5.5 for a loss and 1.5 sacks. Williams became the Crimson Tide's feature pass-rusher up front, and they did not let Davis pin his ears back to go after the quarterback as much as they did in 2017.

As a senior, Davis had 47 tackles with .5 sacks in 2019 and missed some time with a sprained ankle. He was a tremendous run defender for Alabama, but did not contribute much in the pass rush. Davis was also limited in the offseason, and that yields questions about his health. The Crimson Tide are known in the scouting community for working their players extremely hard, so a number of them entered the NFL banged up.

Davis is a tough defender in the ground game. He is very stout at the point of attack. When runs come downhill at him, he is able to anchor and hold his ground. He also shows the strength to shed and tackle. Davis bulls his way into the backfield to blow up runs and resets the line of scrimmage. His lateral anchor is truly excellent for a college player, making him seemingly immovable at the point of attack. Davis is exceptionally strong to take on double-team bump blocks and hold his ground when getting hit from the side. His put-together body combined with his speed and athleticism make him almost impossible to move out of his gap or keep quiet in run defense. Davis is an excellent run defender for the NFL.

Davis showed serious pass-rushing skills in 2017, but that was abnormal considering what he did over the next two seasons. He has some ability to get a push into the backfield with his power, but after gaining some ground upfield, he struggles to finish the play by getting to the quarterback. Davis is limited from speed and athleticism perspectives to be a dangerous pass-rusher in the NFL. As a pro, he probably will be rotated out of the game in the majority of sub-package plays. If Davis had more pass-rush ability, he would have been a first-round pick.

For the NFL, Davis fits any defense. He would be a great fit as a nose tackle or five-technique in a 3-4. In a 4-3, he could play nose tackle. In the 2020 NFL Draft, Davis could be a second- or third-round pick.

Player Comparison:
Leonard Williams. Davis and Williams (6-5, 302) are similarly sizeed while being tough defenders at the point of attack. They are tough against the run but don't produce a lot in the pass rush. Williams is quicker and more athletic than Davis, while Davis is stronger and tougher than Williams. I could see Davis being similar to Williams in the NFL, where he will be solid at the point of attack and might have one or two decent seasons for sack production.

 

DL Raekwon Davis, Alabama

STRENGTHS
—Ideal size for the NFL at 6'6" and 311 lbs.
—Three-year starter at Alabama; played in many different roles and fronts.
—Settles well just beyond the line of scrimmage and reacts to running backs' movements; enough quickness to chase down running backs at the line of scrimmage.
—Able to play low and use his leverage to manhandle and disengage blockers; maintains his spot and isn't easily moved.
—Combination of power and finesse moves to keep linemen guessing how he will beat them.

WEAKNESSES
—Feet stop driving too often.
—Absorbs a lot of blocks.
—Limited production as a pass-rusher; had only two combined sacks as a junior and senior after 8.5 as a sophomore.
—Needs to develop more of a pass-rushing toolbox; has a good swim move, but that's about it.

OVERALL
An ideal 3-4 defensive end, Davis has the size and enough athleticism to be a better pass-rusher in the NFL than he was allowed to be in the Alabama scheme. He doesn't have the highest ceiling of this year's defensive line prospects, but he's game-ready right now and should see major rookie snaps.

GRADE: 84

PRO COMPARISON: Arik Armstead/Da'Ron Payne