2020 Raiders Draft Prospect Profile

Name: Raekwon Davis

Position: Defensive Lineman

School: The University of Alabama

Height: 6’7”

Weight: 312 pounds

Stats

Speed

He may not blur stopwatches and you should not care. Davis closes well on the target with galloping strides and the ability to make up the distance. In a confined space he gets to the ball. On the outside, Davis efforts to funnel down the line to make plays on the perimeter.

Pass Rush Technique

Now, Davis’ foundational repertoire stands with his hands. When properly activated, in concert with his strength, Davis beats blocks with length and reach, keeping himself relatively clean. On the other hand, the bull displays good power and force. However, pad level inconsistency hurts Davis during. Proper coaching alleviates this issue. Davis’ upside gives any technical glitch the time to fix. As a raw talent, he will be a force in the passing game.

Tackling

Standing 6’7” grants Davis an immense tackle radius. As a result, anything within his vast reach is a potential stop. Davis engulfs the target in a sea of arms and strength. He generates excellent grip strength and pull with the forearms. Although not a technician in this aspect, power, and reach helped him to this point.

Team Fit

If you’ve followed the Raiders for years, the name Tommy Kelly should ring a bell. Kelly, the former defensive lineman from Mississippi State is the comparison for Raekwon Davis. Tall, stronger, versatile linemen that can function in a variety of roles/positions. Davis projects as a 3T, with enough burst to occasionally line up as a defensive end. Where Davis will excel, though, is on the interior. His strength and the first step, coupled with the ability to change the sightline of the quarterback, makes him a Day Two selection. The Las Vegas Raiders are thin along the defensive line. Opponents also know this. In order to change that narrative, stocking the line with quality depth featuring starter traits becomes the priority.

Why Davis?

Under new Raiders DL coach Rod Marinelli, Davis could strive for perfection, scheme-wise. With his frame, length and talent base, Marinelli will work wonders in molding his considerable talents. A lineman of that size and real-life power, Davis, in combination with Maurice Hurst could deliver the Raiders with enough interior force to give the ends easier sack chances. If Davis gets that good jump and beats the blocker, the quarterback cannot help to flow laterally, into either defensive end. Meanwhile, he will disruptive and notch sacks for himself.