These NFL rookies will outperform their draft position in 2020

Derrick Brown was the best player on Auburn’s defensive line in 2019, but Davidson managed to become a second-round pick through his own exploits. As it happens, the Falcons have a desperate need for him to make an impact as a rookie.

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Davidson played most of his collegiate snaps as a defensive end, but he projects to move inside at the NFL level. The Falcons might be best served to delay that transition by a season or two. Sitting Davidson behind Grady Jarrett doesn’t seem like the best use of the team’s talent up front.

The projection here is for Davidson to, instead, unseat Allen Bailey as the starter at left defensive end. Bailey is a steady veteran, but his inability to rush the passer is a huge limiting factor for Atlanta’s defense. At the very least, Davidson should get a chance to take Bailey’s place on obvious passing downs.

If Davidson can work his way onto the field alongside Jarrett and Dante Fowler on passing downs then he’s going to get a chance to work against a lot of single blocking schemes. He’s got the speed and athleticism to beat average offensive lineman and make plays in the backfield.