(Editor's Note: While the start of the 2020 NFL Draft isn't until April 23, it's never too early to profile some of the key participants. The staff of DallasCowboys.com intends to preview the landscape of the draft's top prospects, with an emphasis on possible Cowboys draft picks – from the first round to the last. Today's featured player is Alabama defensive tackle Raekwon Davis.)
- Name: Raekwon Davis
- Position: DT
- College: Alabama
- Height/Weight: 6'6/311
- Honors: Second-team All-American, Second-team All-SEC
- Key Stat: Tallied 8.5 sacks his sophomore season in 2017 but combined for only 2.0 over the next two seasons in 27 total games.
Where He's Projected:
One of the toughest tasks for any NFL scouting department this season is solving the curious case of Raekwon Davis.
A tick taller than 6-foot-6, a mammoth 311-pounds and the second-longest arms in the defensive tackle class, Davis exemplifies the age-old question of tools verses production. After breaking out with a dominant 8.5-sack sophomore season, the Meridian, Mississippi native was well on his way to being one of the most feared linemen in the country. However, as the Alabama defense evolved around him and teams adjusted to his strength inside, his role shifted. A high-value run-stuffer that isn't going to contribute a lot in the pass rush but will anchor the defensive line and create issues with his length.
Davis' lack of finishing ability at the quarterback is somewhat of a concern for teams looking for a first-round defensive tackle. Yet, his size and build translate well and will get teams talking as soon as day two is underway. There is still a long way to go until he would be classified as a consistent starter in the league, but absolutely contribute to a team in need of some run-stopping ability and extra beef on the interior defensive line.
How He Helps The Cowboys:
Dallas has kept no secret in the transition of its' defensive line to a bigger, more substantial type of tackle. With offseason additions like Dontari Poe who stands at 346-pounds and Gerald McCoy who is above 300-pounds, there's obviously an extra emphasis on adding size. Davis brings just that with an 82-inch wingspan and that 6-foot-6 frame. The Cowboys would definitely be gambling on his high-upside and growth potential. After his monster season in 2017, it is a bit worrisome to see a regression in his final two seasons in Tuscaloosa.
At the moment, there is still an immediate need for run-stopping defensive talent which is right in Davis' wheelhouse. It's not as pressing of a need as some others that could be addressed at pick 17, and there is not any guarantee that he would still be on the board when pick 51 comes around in the second round. The most likely scenario for Davis to end up a Cowboy, is if Dallas is able to get on the phone, trade out of the first round and pick up some extra day two picks. If there is a trade back scenario that puts Dallas into the early parts of the second round, don't be surprised to see his name called.
