NFL Draft: Re-grading every first round pick from the 2018 NFL Draft
player. 15. . DE. New Orleans Saints. Marcus Davenport. 14
NFL Draft: Re-grading every first round pick from the 2018 NFL Draft: Number 14 overall, DE Marcus Davenport
It’s been a painfully slow start for defensive end Marcus Davenport. He seldom saw the field in his first year but still managed to rack up 4.5 sacks. His 22 total tackles weren’t impressive but it was something the Saints could live with due to his 12 quarterback hits.
Davenport’s role took a major step in the right direction in year two as he started in all 13 games that he played in and produced career highs across the board. He totaled six sacks, 31 combined tackles, and 16 QB hits. Injuries slowed him down in his most recent year in the league, but it comes as no surprise that the moment he came back onto the field, Davenport’s Saints led the league in pressure rate at 48%.
The Saints managed to flame out again in the playoffs and his contributions were minimal at best, totaling only four tackles through two games and not a single sack. In fact, with four total playoff games under his belt, Davenport has failed to record a sack in any of his appearances.
Up until this point, Davenport hasn’t been a dominant player but he hasn’t been a bust either. It’ll take a bit more time before he hits his stride, but for now, he’s been a solid player for the Saints.
Grade: C+