The Washington Football Team selected Kentucky linebacker Jamin Davis with the 19th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Davis is considered as the most-athletic linebacker in this year’s draft class by Pro Football Focus. It’s his athleticism and flexibility that intrigued Washington.
Washington believes Davis can play “all three” linebacker sports. They see him starting off as a Sam Linebacker on the outside, according to Josina Anderson.
Washington’s head coach Ron Rivera echoed the sentiment.
“This guy had the most position flex of any of them, and that’s important to me because I believe a guy that can play all your LB positions can learn quickly, will understand quickly and will help others around him,” Rivera told reporters of Davis, per Nicki Jhabvala of the Washington Post.
Rivera added Davis was the highest-graded defensive player on Washington’s draft board.
Davis was a reserve in his first two seasons at Kentucky. However, he became a starter in 2020 and burst on the scene. In 10 games, Davis had 102 tackles, including four for losses. He also had 1.5 sacks and three interceptions which included an 85-yard pick-six.
Davis has great measurements at 6-foot-3, 234 pounds. He ran a 4.47 40-yard dash at his pro day.
Placing him on the outside as he develops is ideal. He can slot across from the Will linebacker Cole Holcomb and potentially veteran Jon Bostic in the middle at Mike. Davis will also be able to stay on the field on passing downs playing in their Dime subpackage.
Davis can play the run and cover in spacing well. His flexibility will work in his favor as he seasons in hopes of dispelling the notion of being a one-hit wonder. Meanwhile as he progresses down the line, look for him to slide into the role of the Mike. He’ll work to improve his padding on tackles while learning the playbook.
Learning from two solid former linebackers in Rivera and defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio will aid Davis tremendously. If all things pan out, Jamin Davis could be an amazing piece long-term for the Washington Football Team.
