The pick is in. With the 19th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Washington selected Jamin Davis out of Kentucky. The 6’3″ 234 pound linebacker is a physically impressive specimen, and is coming off a fantastic season for the Wildcats.
In 2020, he registered 102 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and three interceptions – including one returned for a touchdown. He also had a forced fumble and a blocked field goal – and all in ten games.
Davis also made headlines at his Pro Day when he ran a 4.37 40-yard dash (and a 4.41). He also had a 42? vertical leap and 132? broad jump. Those are lofty numbers for a 234 pound linebacker.
One of the NFL network panel gushed, “When you see this guy take off and run, he looks like a gazelle.”
Wow. Will that be a problem if he plays the Lions?
That’s high praise regardless. He has the physical tools to be an NFL linebacker, and his speed is next-level.
Full credit to the Washington Post’s Nicki Jhabvala. She wrote a great profile on Davis just three weeks ago.
What Is Washington Getting?
Davis is consistently described as a hard-working, lengthy, three-down player. Rarely misses tackles, and has the ability to shoot gaps. Sideline-to-sideline speed, and earned an elite run defense grade from Pro Football Focus in 2020.
The obvious knock against him would be his lack of experience. Davis is a late bloomer, and has only started eleven games. He red-shirted in 2017, and started only once in 2018-19. He may need time to grow into an every down role.
In that one full season as a starting linebacker for the Wildcats – Jamin Davis went from a relative unknown – to the first-round draft pick of the Washington Football Team.
Tomorrow
Washington have seven selections left in the Draft.
Who’s next?