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Jarrad Davis, LB: The Next Starting Inside Linebacker For The Redskins?

Hogs Haven takes a look at 2017 Draft prospects that could contribute to the Redskins

By Gabe Ward
NCAA Football: Florida Atlantic at Florida Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Jarrad Davis, LB
School: Florida | Conference: SEC
College Experience: Senior | Age: 22?
Height / Weight: 6-1 / 238 lbs
Projected Draft Status: Late 1st or Early 2nd Round
NFL Comparison: Jerrell Freeman

College Statistics

Player Overview

While others complain and nitpick about draft value and the different between ten draft slots I’m over here thinking Jarrad Davis could be the pick at #17. There have been several rumors that the Redskins like Haason Reddick and Rueben Foster and I’m sure that's true (at least for the most part). But teams rarely draft (with the exception of QB) the player they are linked to supposedly loving. If the Redskins are looking to invest in a young hard-nosed and athletic linebacker that can pass rush, play the run, and drop back into coverage at a consistent level there is no reason Davis is not in play at #17. Take that “draft value” and stick it. . . right in the middle of the Redskins linebacking core with Zach Brown. Davis is the type of young player you build around and would be categorized as a “red” that can turn into a “blue” by a certain former general manager. Davis has been praised by coaches for his work ethic, football IQ, and leadership. He goes all out on the field and has a chance to be a perennial pro bowler. Pretty good for a player that's only work taking in the back half of the first round or even second.

Strengths

  • Excellent size with a yolked up build.
  • Converts speed to power very well. Able to shock the hell out of unsuspecting blockers and almost literally blow plays up. Play strength stands out.
  • Highly praised for his work ethic, football IQ, and leadership ability.
  • Hard nosed, tough player, with good instincts. Looks to get into and fight through the scrum to make the tackle and stop the play. Has great burst through the gaps and can close quickly on a runner or QB.
  • Very good in coverage for a linebacker. He understands space and zone coverage and how to interrupt passing lanes and has great anticipation.
  • Great range and athleticism for the position. Also, a solid tackler that rarely lets someone slip away from his grasp. Can play the run and rush the passer.

Weaknesses

  • Will occasionally overpursue and take a bad angle especially when hindered by a block.
  • Past injury history with his leg and ankle, has only played one full season in his career.
  • Occasionally will get engulfed by blockers. Needs to work more on shedding multiple blocks at a time. This can delay him to his gap assignment causing him to lunge and compromises his tackling technique.

Let’s See His Work:

How He Would Fit On The Redskins

In case you didn’t get it from the overview not only do I think Jarrad Davis would be a fine pick at 17 but if all other options that make sense for the Skins are off the board and he is left I would invoke the Ken Meringolo philosophy of taking a player when you have the chance because you know he's not going to be around when the Skins pick in the 2nd. Davis would be a fine addition in the middle of the Redskins defense with Zach Brown. At least for a year the Redskins middle linebacker core would be completely transformed and go towards one of the weakest to one of the most athletic and arguably would clear the above average marker. I do have questions on if Davis can stay healthy consistently for an entire season however when he is on the field he is fun to watch. The leadership quality, work ethic, fundamentals, and athleticism is what has been missing from the Redskins linebacking core for far too long.

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