Rutgers' Anthony Davis not thinking NFL Draft – yet

by Dan Kadar on Dec 10, 2009 11:36 PM EST in 2010 NFL Draft

With Rutgers playing the second bowl game of the year on Dec. 19, expect to hear from elite left tackle prospect Anthony Davis sometime immediately after.

But before Rutgers plays Central Florida in the St. Petersburg Bowl, don't expect much.

"As it gets closer, it’s in your peripheral, but you’ve got to stay focused," Davis told the New Jersey Star-Ledger.

After the St. Petersburg Bowl, Davis will meet with his family and coach Greg Schiano. It will be an uphill battle for Schiano.

Former Rutgers stars Ray Rice and Kenny Britt left early for the NFL and are seeing immediate success. Davis also saw his friend Eugene Monroe go eighth overall in this year's draft.

What does that exactly have to do with Davis? He's better than each of them. After Oklahoma State's Russell Okung, Davis looks to be the second-best left tackle available for the draft.

This year the second tackle taken, Andre Smith, went sixth overall. In 2008, the second tackle taken was Ryan Clady who went 12th overall to Denver. In 2007, the Cardinals took the second tackle in Levi Brown, who went fifth.

Comparing Davis' talent and upside to those three and the possible needs at the top of the draft order, he too should expect to go in the top 12 picks.

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I like Anthony Davis a lot too, but I don't know about him being the second best LT.

I have not seen much of him but from what I read there is some question about him being an NFL quality LT. A Right Tackle and Guard definitely. What I like about him is that he could step into a Guard position immediately, then transition over to LT after a couple of years. That would work out great for Detroit, but I would not spend a draft pick sooner than #16 or so.

Also Andre Smith was chosen sixth in 2009.

by NorthLeft12 on Dec 11, 2009 7:49 AM EST reply actions

Thanks for the note on Smith. I wrote this during last night’s Browns/Steelers game. I’m a Browns fan who was clearly punch drunk.

Mocking the Draft: Your NFL Draft source.

by Dan Kadar on Dec 11, 2009 10:24 AM EST up reply actions

Why Davis #2?

I’m also curious as to why you rate Davis over Bruce Campbell, Bryan Bulaga, or Charles Brown. One report I read said he was a run blocking O-Lineman but not a tackle. What are you seeing that is different? Thanks, I’m always looking to learn more about evaluation.

by lifelongvike on Dec 11, 2009 8:03 AM EST reply actions

He doesn’t have Campbell’s injury history and is more physical. He’s stronger and nastier than Bulaga. Same with Brown on the physicality and strength.

Mocking the Draft: Your NFL Draft source.

by Dan Kadar on Dec 11, 2009 10:26 AM EST up reply actions

Pretty sure Jason Smith went second overall

And was the first tackle taken

by JRose on Dec 11, 2009 10:17 AM EST reply actions

I was talking about the second tackle selected in the second part of the post.

Mocking the Draft: Your NFL Draft source.

by Dan Kadar on Dec 11, 2009 10:26 AM EST up reply actions

People are split on Davis

Some (perhaps many) see him at the #2 tackle while others feel he is strictly a RT prospect.

I suspect a lot of that is how people see him projecting into particular systems. I think he’ll be a player with a broad range in terms of protection, unless he really tears it up in the post-season workouts and combine (assuming he declares).

"Those who fear disorder more than injustice inevitably produce more of both." -- Rev. William Coffin

by dcrockett17 on Dec 11, 2009 10:18 AM EST reply actions

I keep flip flopping Davis and Bryan Bulaga. One day I like Davis better, the next I like Bulaga better.

Bears suck, Cubs suck, Bulls suck, Illini suck, who would have thought the Blackhawks would be my best shot at a title.

by tj.hendricks on Dec 11, 2009 11:57 PM EST reply actions

I think it depends on what you want your tackle to do. Davis is a better run blocker, Bulaga is better pass blocker, even though both tackles are strong just about everywhere. JMO

by TheRealSlimShady on Dec 12, 2009 12:41 AM EST up reply actions