Jamin Davis decided to forgo his senior season after putting up 102 total tackles, 1.5 sacks and three interceptions for Kentucky last season. After an outstanding Pro Day (4.47 40 at 6-foot-3 and a half, 234 pounds–42-inch vertical, 11-foot broad jump) he has risen into the first-round conversation for some analysts.
With only 11 career starts, Davis lacks experience as he enters the next level. But he can get after it in the run game, and cover tight ends. The advanced numbers hold him in high regard, to say the least. As does ESPN’s Todd McShay (h/t to Rob Reischel of Forbes):
"“I love watching him because he reads the play so quickly, especially on run plays. He just shoots that gap. He sees it so fast. To me, his ability to defend the run and then to be able to cover, he’s a complete guy. And you saw the pro day workout — his numbers are outstanding. I can’t say enough good things about him.”"
Top 2021 Linebacker Athleticism Scores@UKFootball's Jamin Davis and @OhioStateFB's Baron Browning lead this year's class when it comes to the athletic traits that best translate to pro success for linebackers.
— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) April 14, 2021
The rest of the top 5: pic.twitter.com/KXow4WQllk
🔹Micah Parsons - "Best blitzer"
— PFF (@PFF) April 17, 2021
🔹Jamin Davis - "Best athlete"
🔹Nick Bolton - "Best run-game instincts"
✍️@PFF_Mike's 2021 NFL Draft LB Superlatives⤵️https://t.co/xufhaHQ8Wx
The Packers just don’t spend premium draft picks on inside linebackers, which says it all about how highly they value the position or their confidence they can unearth someone later in a draft or as an undrafted free agent. So taking Davis in the first round would be quite a pivot, but his upside might be worth it.