(Editor's Note: With less than one month until the start of the 2017 NFL Draft on April 27, the staff of DallasCowboys.com intends to preview the landscape of possible Cowboys draft picks – from the first round to the last. Today's featured player is Bucknell's Julie'n Davenport.)
Name: Julie'n Davenport
Position: Offensive Tackle
College: Bucknell
Height/Weight: 6-7/318
Honors:Davenport made All-Patriot-League all four seasons at Bucknell and was named first-team All-American by various outlets, including The Associated Press, in 2016.
Key Stat: Davenport was the only member of his senior class to start every game of his college career: 44 straight starts, all at left tackle.
Where He's Projected: Most draft observers believe Davenport is more likely to be a Day 3 pick (Rounds 4-7), though his frame and arm reach make him an interesting prospect for teams looking to groom an offensive tackle. Having dominated the smaller Patriot League, one question at the next level will be whether he can develop the foot speed and technique to handle NFL pass rushers at left tackle.
How He Helps The Cowboys:Though not official, indications are Doug Free is heading for retirement and the Cowboys will look to Chaz Green or free-agent signing Byron Bell to start at right tackle next season. Davenport would provide depth at the position as a developing swing tackle candidate, though Cowboys brass has emphasized defense will be the primary focus on draft weekend.[embeddedad0]
Scout's Take: Massive build with rare length for the position. Very nice initial quickness off the snap. His length allows him to keep rushers wide. Doesn't have great strength numbers in the weight room but on tape he plays with strength. Shows some pop in his hands when he punches. Size helps him in the running game. When he naturally comes off the ball, he is able to get movement. Opponents have a difficult time dealing with his size. When he gets into his man, he can get some movement. Will need work on his pass set at the next level. Tends to be all over the place with his feet and hands. Doesn't always come together for him but when it does he can be tough to get around. There are snaps where you see him grabbing his guy instead of punching. Can get him off balance if you hit him with some speed to the corner. Can be slow to mirror his man. Is bigger than the players he faces so will try and overpower more than play with technique. Very athletic player for his size so there is hope for his balance issues. Will likely be an inactive player each week until he figures out what he needs to do to have success in the league. Small-school player that you take and stash for a season until he is ready to play. Talent is there to develop but will take a little time.
- Bryan Broaddus
