A Closer Look At Robert Davis With Underdog Dynasty

I got in touch with several writers on the college football blogs. I wanted to get their thoughts on the Redskins newest draft picks and ask a few more revealing questions about how these players fit on the team and their chances of making an impact either immediately or down the line. Adam Luckett of Underdog Dynasty gave us some great information regarding new Redskin WR Robert Davis.

Cadillactica: Could you give us your impression of what the Georgia State coaches thought of Davis?

Adam Luckett: From all accounts, it seemed that the Trent Miles staff at Georgia State was always very pleased with Robert Davis. Davis pulled in many academic accomplishments while enrolled at Georgia State, including being named to the Dean's List in 2014. Davis was very much a prospect coming out of high school and he would leave Atlanta as the program's all-time leader in receptions and receiving yards as well as a three-time all-conference performer. Davis proved to be a hard worker right away as he contributed as a freshman pulling in 44 grabs for 711 yards after having just 11 catches in his senior year of high school. Davis heads to the NFL as the Sun Belt's second all-time leading receiver (trailing only T.Y. Hilton). Davis was recognized one of the leaders by coach Miles as he represented the program at Sun Belt Media Days.

Cadillactica: Coach Jay Gruden has said, "keep an eye" on Davis. He revealed that WR coach Ike Hilliard liked him a lot and that he likes his size and skill set. We know he is Georgia St's all-time leading receiver what else can you tell us about his play?

Adam Luckett: Davis really is an athletic freak. A basketball standout in high school, he's at his best running vertical routes where he can high-point the football. It's no surprise that Hilliard likes Davis as he's a physically imposing 6'3" 219 lb grown man who has played a lot of football in his career. Davis is physically strong enough to go across the middle against NFL defenses and has proven the ability to catch the ball in traffic while absorbing a hit. Davis has the potential to win a lot of isolation battles and I believe that is a reason Gruden has mentioned the potential of Davis.

Cadillactica: The Skins lost some big names at the receiver position this offseason in Pierre Garcon and Desean Jackson. Yet the receiving core still has star potential with Terrelle Pryor, Josh Doctson, and Jamison Crowder rounding out the top of the depth chart. There has been an emphasis on adding speed, size, and big play ability to the position. How does Davis fit that mold?

Adam Luckett: Davis fits all three of these to a tee and the Redskins may have addressed a potential rotation player in the 6th round. Davis has the size but the speed to get open deep against NFL caliber corners may not be there. I see Davis as more of a possession type receiver that does his damage with intermediate routes but he can be an ideal red zone threat as his size and physicality could give a lot of defensive backs problems.

Cadillactica: As a 6th round pick Davis will have to work to secure his spot, does he offer any value on special teams in coverage or as a returner? Also, what do you think he'll have to do to secure that WR4/5 spot in the team? He is up against competition from Ryan Grant, Maurice Harris, Brian Quick and about a half handful of other receivers currently on the roster?

Adam Luckett: An elite athlete, I think Davis has a legit shot to contribute on special teams right away. The fact of the matter is, he is a project that is going to have to prove he can consistently get open against high caliber talent. If he is going to grab a spot with Washington and stick in the NFL, he will need to make an immediate impact on special teams in this upcoming training camp. I don't see it coming as a returner, but he has the chance to be an excellent kick coverage player with his size and athleticism. If he can do that, it will allow the organization to invest in Davis and sharpen some of the tools he has been blessed with.

Cadillactica: Could you sum up his play in a single word or phrase?

Adam Luckett: Rough around the edges. When you look at Davis come off the bus in pads, he definitely looks the part of an NFL receiver. However, he has many areas that need sharpening. Davis has the frame where he can put on a little bit more weight and still be a very effective possession receiver in the league. He will just need someone to invest some time in him and give him a shot. Here is a short highlight tape of Davis at Georgia State.

This is one of my favorite Q&A’s so far and big thanks to Adam for answering questions about Robert Davis. His answers are illuminating to me. Davis was not on my radar at all during draft season and shame on me for not paying much attention to Georgia State football. As Adam said it seems like Davis has some special physical tools that could get him onto the field sooner rather than later. If he has to ride the bench in the meantime though he has a ripe opportunity to make his mark on special teams. It’s clear that the Redskins have rebranded their WR core in its physical makeup in just one offseason. The concentration on finding receivers with size but also superb athleticism is very exciting to see as a Redskins fan. I can’t wait to catch a glimpse of how Davis does in training camp.