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It’s interesting to see players’ NFL draft profile after they’ve been in the league for a while. Sometimes the analysts get it spot on, and other times they’re way off. In Demario Davis’ case, his weaknesses on the scouting report look laughable now.
Before becoming a perennial All-Pro linebacker with the New Orleans Saints, Davis was picked by the New York Jets in the 2012 NFL draft. With the 2025 draft in full swing, Davis reflected on the strengths and weaknesses in his profile from 13 years ago, specifically the weaknesses. When hearing the scouting report read aloud, you almost want to question if Davis is reading a report about a different prospect.
Davis needs to gather better when running down plays from inside out. Against one-cut runners at the NFL level, he could have a tough time gathering to make a secure tackle on the run. His athletic ability really doesn’t translate to pass defense, where he can look awkward and out of place at times when playing in a zone. He needs to learn to better diagnose plays and could struggle against faster offenses.
That sounds nothing like the player we see on a weekly basis. Davis has become one of the better linebackers in the game through his ability in the run and pass as well. His athletic ability was questioned multiple in the profile, but has been one of his traits since coming to New Orleans. He definitely hasn't had any issues processing plays in front of him.
Davis acknowledges he's come a long way. "A lot of those things they called weaknesses, I’ve turned to strengths." He was able to do it due to an open mind. It wasn't about whether or not he agreed with the criticism. "Even if I thought they were wrong, it was something that somebody noticed and I could work on. What I did is I worked on those and now I see those things as strengths."
Prospects should take the same approach to the scouting reports they see. There's criticism that may seem unfair, but over the course of your career, make it to where no one can say that about you. Davis did it and became a regular on the All-Pro team. It's not a bad mentality to emulate.
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Demario Davis' draft profile sounds like it was meant for someone else
Continue reading...
Before becoming a perennial All-Pro linebacker with the New Orleans Saints, Davis was picked by the New York Jets in the 2012 NFL draft. With the 2025 draft in full swing, Davis reflected on the strengths and weaknesses in his profile from 13 years ago, specifically the weaknesses. When hearing the scouting report read aloud, you almost want to question if Davis is reading a report about a different prospect.
Davis needs to gather better when running down plays from inside out. Against one-cut runners at the NFL level, he could have a tough time gathering to make a secure tackle on the run. His athletic ability really doesn’t translate to pass defense, where he can look awkward and out of place at times when playing in a zone. He needs to learn to better diagnose plays and could struggle against faster offenses.
That sounds nothing like the player we see on a weekly basis. Davis has become one of the better linebackers in the game through his ability in the run and pass as well. His athletic ability was questioned multiple in the profile, but has been one of his traits since coming to New Orleans. He definitely hasn't had any issues processing plays in front of him.
Davis acknowledges he's come a long way. "A lot of those things they called weaknesses, I’ve turned to strengths." He was able to do it due to an open mind. It wasn't about whether or not he agreed with the criticism. "Even if I thought they were wrong, it was something that somebody noticed and I could work on. What I did is I worked on those and now I see those things as strengths."
Prospects should take the same approach to the scouting reports they see. There's criticism that may seem unfair, but over the course of your career, make it to where no one can say that about you. Davis did it and became a regular on the All-Pro team. It's not a bad mentality to emulate.
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Demario Davis' draft profile sounds like it was meant for someone else
Continue reading...
