2018 NFL Draft: Grading every first-round pick after rookie year

14. Marcus Davenport, DE, New Orleans Saints

2018 Stats: 21 total tackles, 4.5 sacks, 2 passes defended, 1 forced fumble

Personally, I was a tad skeptical when the New Orleans Saints spent such a high draft pick on Marcus Davenport. The hype he received ahead of the 2018 NFL draft was borderline bonkers, with some people talking about him as a potential Top 5 pick. Glad that didn’t happen.

With that said, the upside is still very high with Davenport. He’s a physically gifted edge rusher who flashed big-time playmaking ability throughout the 2018 campaign. His production and impact we’re very consistent and the numbers weren’t quite where the Saints were hoping they’d be, but it wasn’t all bad either.

Here’s my one real problem with this selection — it was made for the now. New Orleans knew their window was open, but that it wouldn’t be long with Drew Brees getting up there in age. Instead of going with a more refined and experienced option, though, they took Davenport. He’s talented, but he was a raw project coming into his rookie season.

The jury is still out on this kid, who could turn out to be one of the best pass rushers of the 2018 draft class — and that’s saying something. Then again, I wouldn’t be surprised if he struggled to even produce much more than 4.5 sacks in upcoming years. We’ll see what more the Saints can get out of him as a sophomore.

Grade: B