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* ROUND 4 BENGALS SELECT AKEEM DAVIS-GAITHER, LB *


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By Lance Zierlein

NFL Analyst
Draft Projection
Round 3
NFL Comparison
Maurice Alexander
Overview
No matter his size, Davis-Gaither is a playmaker with a talent for slipping blocks and ending up near the football. Teams who hope to roll him into a hybrid role may find he's a better pass rusher than cover man. He is comfortable and effective when playing downhill, but issues with inconsistent angles to the ball and missed tackles pop up when forced to play in space. Some teams will be uncomfortable with his size. However, he plays with instincts and toughness. He should find a home as a backup 4-3 weakside linebacker and productive member of special teams units.
Strengths
  • Filled up stat sheet in several columns
  • Run game instincts are above average
  • Stays active and alive on most snaps
  • Block slipper deluxe
  • Drops hip and shoulder to dip under blocks and makes tackles
  • Finished with 209 tackles over his last 27 games
  • Rangy and long with top-end speed in pursuit
  • Desired twitch as NFL blitzer
  • Talent for timing and batting down passes
  • Good hip explosion into wrap-and-run tackling
  • Showed off special teams cover talent early in career
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We are taking nothing but guys who were very productive in college.

 

It can be tempting to take guys with fantastic measurable (40 time, bench, arm length, whatever), especially as the rounds get later. But those raw guys can bust.

 

At 2-14, with holes and depth needed almost everywhere, we need to avoid whiffs. Especially at the top. All 4 guys have good measurables, but were also incredibly productive players. I like the philosophy.

 

Now, maybe 5-7 we take some swings. Perhaps more on guys with injury concerns or a red flag.

 

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Quote

Akeem Davis-Gaither | LB | Appalachian State

Elevator Pitch

Davis-Gaither is a small-school linebacker who always seems to be around the ball. Whether that is on defense or special teams, he seems to show up with App State needs him most. Likely will start his career as a backup and special teams contributor that could work his way into a starting role.

Vitals

Height | 6-1

Weight | 224

Class | Senior

 

Strengths

You see the explosiveness from Davis-Gaither almost immediately on tape. He has the quickness and quick twitch to be a blitzer and an effective one. Has good length to combat with blockers and offensive lineman when chasing after the quarterback. He is very disruptive in the backfield.

 

ADG has the versatility to line up at multiple spots as a linebacker. Shows good cover skills especially over the middle. Has the length to force incompletions over the middle of the field. Plenty of tape where he batted balls away from the intended receiver.

 

He will likely need to make a name for himself on special teams as he earns reps at linebacker in the NFL. He is very active on special teams with the speed to rush kicks off the edge. Has great speed that allows him to close on runners in chase down mode.

 

https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2020/03/28/2020-nfl-draft-akeem-davis-gaither-scouting-report/

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10 minutes ago, WRAPradio said:

 

 


Here’s a tweet, lots of chatter on Twitter:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Sent from my iPad using Go-Bengals.com mobile app

 

 

 

So who are these guys, bloggers and podcast warriors or are they real NFL insiders with medical knowledge?

I gotta be careful and double check my info on the internet these days.

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