If you’ve watched a Georgia Bulldogs football game this year, you’ve no doubt caught a glimpse of NFL Draft prospect Jordan Davis. The Bulldogs’ behemoth is hard to miss and easy to like as an NFL Draft prospect. But which NFL landing spots fit Davis best? Here’s the role he fits into at the next level and where he can maximize his game.
Who is 2022 NFL Draft prospect Jordan Davis?
As the Bulldogs approach the national championship, their most celebrated position group is the defensive line — and it’s easy to see why. Devonte Wyatt is a powerful, high-motor pass rusher who’s wreaked havoc on offensive guards this year. Travon Walker is a freaky physical specimen who can line up anywhere and exert his power on blockers.
The player at the center of it all, however, is big No. 99. A gentle giant off the field, Davis takes on an entirely different disposition between the hashes. He’s listed at a gargantuan 6’6″, 340 pounds. And somehow, he seems bigger than that. Davis’ image is widely known, but his talent is what truly makes him a special prospect.
For his size, Davis has uncanny athleticism, and his domination in 2021 has made him a popular choice in first-round mock drafts. PFN Draft Analyst Oliver Hodgkinson noted on Davis’ physical potential before the season:
“One of the most impressive aspects of Davis’ game is his athletic prowess. The Georgia DT has fantastic speed for his size. He’s nimble on his toes, possesses a surprising change-of-direction ability, and can cover ground exceptionally well. I likened him to an express train on social media recently. Men of his size are not supposed to get up such a head of speed.”
On top of his athleticism, Hodgkinson notes that Davis has excellent play strength and anchor as well. His elite space-eating ability combined with his pass-rushing upside makes him a dangerous player.
Best NFL fits for Jordan Davis
Davis is a stellar prospect and a potential first-round pick, but he can’t just go to any team. Davis is a specific type of defensive lineman. He translates best as a nose tackle in odd and hybrid fronts at the next level. He can move around the line a bit, but his best reps come at the 0- and 1-technique, often aligned with the center. Taking that into account, these teams best fit Davis’ skill set.
Additionally, all three of these teams are set to pick at or near the bottom half of Round 1, where Davis is most likely to go.
Los Angeles Chargers
Brandon Staley’s defense has a lot of flashy pieces. Derwin James and Joey Bosa, in particular, are the playmakers that make the unit what it is. But sometimes, you need a less flashy piece to help keep the machine humming. Davis can be that guy.
With veteran Linval Joseph likely on his way out, Davis can be an excellent replacement at the fulcrum of the line. With his ability to eat up double-teams, he can free up one-on-one opportunities for Jerry Tillery, Bosa, and others. The presence of Davis and Bosa on one line puts blocking units in a quandary. They can’t double-team everybody, and Davis helps force their hand.
Baltimore Ravens
He’s been the Ravens’ starting nose tackle for almost a decade, but it may soon be Brandon Williams’ time to walk. As of now, he’s scheduled to have his contract expire this March. In the 2022 NFL Draft, the Ravens could pick up a capable successor in Davis.
The Georgia DT’s ability to draw attention would undoubtedly benefit players like Justin Madubuike, Calais Campbell, Tyus Bowser, and Odafe Oweh. But the Ravens’ propensity to use hybrid fronts could be another nice element for Davis. Although he’s best as a true nose, he has the athleticism to go out wide as a 3-technique. Were he to hone his pass-rushing ability in Baltimore, his sheer power would present a mismatch for offensive guards.
Arizona Cardinals
Much like the Chargers, the Cardinals may soon have a transition at nose tackle, with veteran Corey Peters set to be a free agent. Arizona could use a presence like Davis to help free up one-on-one matchups for J.J. Watt and Zach Allen.
Even more than that, however, Davis would help upgrade Arizona’s sub-standard run defense. His near-elite ability to two-gap can essentially clog the entire middle for offenses and funnel runners to the outside, where linebackers Isaiah Simmons and Zaven Collins can wrap them up.
Listen to the PFN Scouting Podcast
Listen to the PFN Scouting Podcast! Click the embedded player below to listen, or you can find the PFN Scouting Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms. Be sure to subscribe and leave us a five-star review! Rather watch instead? Check out the PFN Scouting Podcast on our Scouting YouTube channel.