* (Editor's Note: Heading into the upcoming NFL Draft, held April 30-May 2 DallasCowboys.com will take a closer look at the prospects, including some that could be potential fits with the Cowboys. Today's featured player is Iowa defensive tackle Carl Davis).*
Name:Carl Davis
Position:Defensive Tackle
College: Iowa
Height/Weight:6-5 / 321
Age:23
Honors: After waiting his turn for two years, Davis emerged as a junior and earned All-Big 10 honors as a senior.
Key stat:Saved his best game for a matchup with Nebraska when Davis posted two tackles for loss, a quarterback sack and a pass deflection against the Cornhuskers.
Where He's Projected:Players with his ability and strength can sneak into the first round in the later picks, especially when the Cowboys are on the clock at No. 27. He could always drop back to the second but he might be the second-best defensive tackle on some draft boards after USC's Leonard Williams. Davis should be included in the group of Texas' Malcom Brown and Danny Shelton on Washington, and perhaps Jordan Phillips of Oklahoma.
How He Helps the Cowboys:The Cowboys haven't had a one-technique defensive tackle with as much talent as Davis in a few years, especially since they moved to the 4-3 defense. Davis can not only plug the middle but has ability to rush the passer and push the pocket. The club has Nick Hayden and Terrell McClain playing the nose but Davis has the ability and strength to dominate inside. To have strength and youth at that position is something the Cowboys have lacked in recent years.
Scout's Take: Plays as a nose tackle or one technique for the Hawkeyes. Massive build that allows him to hold the point. Strong to snatch, pull blockers out of the way. Will extend his hands to control. Doesn't give ground on the double team. Was quick to read the pull scheme and react. Able to stay on feet to play cut off block. Able to stay square on the goal line and make play. Not good when he plays tall. Needs to bend his knees and stay down. Trouble when blockers are able to get under him. Powerful enough to consistently split a double team. Was able to overpower blockers one-on-one. Can be a problem as a one gap penetrator. Good body control and balance. Is generally in balance when he engages the blocker. Makes the effort to get wide or to the outside to make the tackle. Not likely just to sit in the tackle box and remained blocked. Outstanding effort and motor to get to ball and make play. Plays with good instincts both run and pass. Didn't appear to be fooled or struggle in game with scheme. Plays with range. When going up the field needs to work more counter moves, right now is limited. More power than moves. Can use him in twist stunts and he will be productive due to his foot quickness. Lined wide and had a sack against Indiana. Ability to flush the quarterback out of the pocket. Had a tackle for loss against Wisconsin on a quick swim move out of a one technique. Really works hard to finish plays. Would be a powerful, athletic upgrade at that one technique if selected in this draft.
Bryan Broaddus
