The Kentucky Wildcats have sent talented linebacker prospects to the NFL on a regular basis over the last decade. That includes Wesley Woodyard, Danny Trevathan, and Avery Williamson. Now, the Wildcats are set to introduce another uber-athletic linebacker to the NFL. While he may not be a big-name now, Jamin Davis will be a linebacker selected on day two of the draft that will have more of a return than some other prospects in the draft. Davis doesn’t have many starts, but his 2020 film is an intriguing study of the player he is now, which also shows what he can turn into in the future.
Make sure to check out all of our other 2021 NFL Draft Scouting Reports.
Player Bio
Name: Jamin Davis
Jersey: #44
Position: Linebacker
School: Kentucky
Class: Redshirt Junior
Height: 6’4”
Weight: 224 lbs
Tackling (9/10)
With his size and athletic ability, Davis makes tackling look easy. He can disengage against blockers well and wraps up the ball-carrier right as he has a chance to do so. Davis was a big hitter during his time at Kentucky, and it resulted in some fumbles and big plays for the Wildcat defense.
Sideline-to-Sideline Ability (9.25/10)
Davis can fly all around the field. He was shown making tackles after running across the field. The Kentucky product has the length and athleticism to succeed in this regard. Davis was used as a blitzer and spy while also covering tight ends, running backs, and slot receivers. His sideline-to-sideline ability is great.
Awareness (7/10)
There were plenty of plays where Davis put too much on to false keys the offense made. He was a second too early or late to make some plays. Davis originally wasn’t supposed to be a starter, and 2020 was his breakout season, and he is taking advantage of it as he declared for the draft.
Versatility (9/10)
Davis can play all three linebacker spots. During his rookie season, he will likely be best fit as a SAM or WILL but can make the transition to the MIKE linebacker spot with some more time. Davis can rush the passer, defend the run, cover running backs, tight ends, and slot receivers. Oh, and for good measure, he can play special teams as well. Davis blocked a field goal against the Georgia Bulldogs in 2020.
Decision-Making (7/10)
His lack of experience shows up here. He can key in on the wrong aspects of the offensive line. Davis can be a second too early or too late on some plays. There were times against Florida where Davis would read the running back and leave a hole open where he was supposed to be in coverage. With more playing time, this aspect of his game should improve immensely.
Block Shedding (8.5/10)
Again, his size, along with his wingspan and length, help him greatly here. Davis needs to work on his hand placement because when he is met with contact, the linemen can contain him easily. He can plug gaps in the run game and allow his teammates to make the tackle instead.
Short-Area Quickness (9/10)
Davis can blow up plays in the backfield with ease. If he sees a gap to run through, he’ll expose it. Davis can go right around attempted blocks and make a tackle on the ball-carrier or run through a gap to get to the quarterback.
Coverage (9/10)
Despite a limited sample size, Davis had three interceptions in 2020. He is a great cover linebacker in the hook-to-curl range against tight ends, running backs, and linebackers. Davis has good ball skills and can make a break on the ball in front of the intended receivers. Again, his length gives him a big advantage here as he can disrupt the timing between the quarterback and receiver. Kentucky trusted him in one-on-one situations against Kadarius Toney and Anthony Schwartz, that’s how good he is in coverage.
Football IQ (7.5/10)
He only started 11 games during his career at Kentucky. Those 11 starts only came in one season. This may be a concern to teams that are trying to draft a starting linebacker right away. Davis seems to be a bit slower in reading some plays. Thankfully, he has a three-down skill set to make his way onto the field during his rookie season.
Competitive Toughness (5/5)
Davis plays full speed every down. He can knock a ball loose at any moment. When the Wildcats needed a big play, Davis gave it to them. He isn’t afraid to lay out a running back, and he played a lot of special teams during his time at Kentucky. Davis doesn’t give up and will make a play from across the field.
Injury (4.75/5)
Davis only played four games during the 2018 season due to knee concerns. That is the only injury concern for him.
Player Summary
In an exciting linebacker class, Davis isn’t getting enough attention. He is in the third tier of linebackers along with Baron Browning (report here), Dylan Moses (report here), and many others. The biggest knocks on Davis are his limited playing action because he only started 11 games. With more starting action, Davis will only get better. He can be a starting WILL in his rookie year with some reps at the MIKE position and a potential starter there. Whoever drafts Davis will be getting a steal on day two of the draft.
Final Grade (85/100): Early Second Round
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