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Ryan Davis, WR
School: Auburn | Conference: SEC
College Experience: Senior | Age: 22?
Height / Weight: 5-9 / 189 lbs
Projected Draft Status: 6th Round to UDFA
NFL Comparison: Trent Taylor
College Statistics
Player Overview
Ryan Davis was a 4-star prospect and high school quarterback when he committed to the Tigers over the Florida Gators on National Signing Day back in 2015. Davis was considered the heart of Auburn’s offense during his time there and though his numbers may seem pedestrian on paper he is actually Auburn’s all time leader in receptions (178). Davis has spend this draft process trying to answer questions about his size and perception that he only knows how to run short routes and is limited in that area. Davis has had impressive performances both at the East West Shrine game earlier this year and at the NFL Combine last week or so. He has been showing off is route running there proving not only is he capable of running a more robust route tree but he is also able to be a weapon on more than just short passes. While I’m sure Davis will make his living as a wide receiver and special teams contributor at the next level it is worth mentioning how his high school experience at QB has translated to the field. Davis was often named the emergency option at QB at Auburn and they even called his number to throw a few touchdowns on trick plays. Additionally his experience reading a defense has translated somewhat as he seems to know when and where to find holes in coverage as a receiver. Davis will continue to try and prove he is an all around receiver during this process and he firmly believes he has a place in the NFL and can be a big contributor for the team that takes a chance on him.
Strengths
- Decent size, good athleticism, shiftiness, and route running ability.
- Davis has been a security blanket in the Auburn offense through his career. He shows reliable hands and flashed with some big time plays. He mainly operated in the short/quick pass game but showed good athleticism and elusiveness to gain yards after the catch. Has shown that he can handle a heavy workload as well.
- At Auburn he mainly ran flats, curls, crossers, and outs. During the this draft process he showed he could run more intermediate and deep stuff with varying complexity. Has demonstrated that he has the ability to learn quickly and can execute well as a route runner.
- Competitive and surprisingly effective as a blocker. Unselfish player and has played his part and done whatever the coaches have asked of him.
- Has added versatility on special teams as a returner.
Weaknesses
- Athleticism tested below ideal marks. I’m only including this because the numbers are there I think there is not thing wrong with his speed, quickness, or athleticism on the field overall generally speaking.
- Specifically speaking he does not have special ability regarding acceleration or burst off the LOS or down the field. Effective out of the slot but somewhat limited in consistent big play ability because of those factors.
- Concerns about his size and injury history. He’s had at least one concussion that has knocked him out of a game and sustained a shoulder injury. His medicals came back clear to my knowledge but there is the question of if his body as it is now can withstand a lot of punishment.
Let’s see his work:
Ryan Davis WR Auburn pic.twitter.com/OOU2mbcgbQ
— Los Cachorros NCAAF (@CachorrosNCAAF) January 30, 2019
OMG RYAN DAVIS pic.twitter.com/pJzExNvlCu
— Power of Dixieland (@PwrofDixieland) November 3, 2018
How He Would Fit On The Redskins
I think Davis is a solid late round option who can come in and compete for getting snaps at slot WR. He’s accomplished a lot in his career and has had a good draft process so far. He is a good example that you can’t always look at the stats and judge the aptitude or potential of a player. He disappointed with his test results athletically but I stand by my assessment that I see more than those numbers when the game is actually being played. With coaching and consistent development I don’t rule out Davis being able to get significant playing time before his rookie contract is up with this team. I think Trey Quinn would edge out Davis for a starting gig right now because of his size and experience but I think they both share a lot of the same qualities that make them appealing in the slot. I wouldn’t rule out the possibility of Davis becoming the WR4 sooner rather than later looking at the current depth chart and being on the field at the same time as Quinn either. The big questions for Davis are if he can remain healthy, maybe he could gain a few pounds and that might help him withstand some of those big hits he’s taken. In the meantime Davis could also compete for reps at punt and kick returner and provide depth at the slot position. Davis didn’t run the 40 at the combine. We’ll have to refer to his pro day to get that number if he posts a good time he’ll rise up boards a bit.