Assessing Possibilities: Vontae Davis

Picks in the first round are usually valued extremely high because of the superstar potential teams have when drafting early. There are zero guarantees that any player will translate well into the NFL, but through all the studying, it has been determined that players taken in the first round have a higher chance at success.

Welcome:

Vontae Davis, 5-11 1/2, 203lbs.
40 Time: 4.49/ Vertical: 36'

- 2 Time 1st Team All-Big Ten Selection.

Davis has the prototypical size and speed for NFL success. He has ideal height, top end speed, and a bulky build for a corner. He is not at all injury prone, and can play all day every day. His size and athleticism is unmatchable by any other corner in this draft, and none comes close.

Davis is explosive and possesses unbelievable closing speed. He has a second and even a third gear to catch receivers from behind if he bites a double move. Davis can change directions on a dime, and is fluid enough at the hips to play press and not get beat off the line.

Davis plays the ball as well as he plays the receiver, and doesn't miss the opportunity to intercept anything within his range. He becomes a receiver when the ball leaves the quarterback's hands. His vertical leaping ability allows him to jump with most receivers in the NFL.

Davis knows how to play the run. He recognizes run plays quickly, and closes on the ball carrier. He is a downhill player. He times his blitzes well, and closes on the QB as fast as anyone. He can also play on special teams, and play well.

The biggest speculation on Davis comes not from his physique, rather from his attitude. Is he easy to coach? Some sources say that Davis works hard only when he wants to, and that at times, he shows lack of respect for the coaching staff.

It's also said that although he's a physical monster, he isn't a playmaker, and when he gets blocked on the running game, he doesn't attempt to fight out of it. Some wonder whether he has hit his ceiling in potential.

Overall: I for one think that Davis's only downside is his attitude, and I think that this may be the deciding factor between Miami drafting Davis or Darius Butler if they're both available at pick 25. If Miami believes that they can straighten Davis out, then he's the pick. Otherwise, it's Butler.

If Davis can get his attitude problem straightened out, he has a legitimite shot at taking over Miami's starting corner job by the second half of the season, and becoming a star in the NFL. He is a safety with the physical ability and versatility to play corner. I would be ecstatic if Davis comes to play for Miami.