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Washington Football Team selects Jamin Davis in 2021 NFL Draft: Grade

By Michael Johnson

JACKSONVILLE, FL - JANUARY 2: Linebacker Jamin Davis #44 of the University of Kentucky Wildcats during the game against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at the 76th annual TaxSlayer Gator Bowl at TIAA Bank Field on January 2, 2021 in Jacksonvile, Florida. The Wildcats defeated the Wolfpack 23 to 21. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images)
JACKSONVILLE, FL - JANUARY 2: Linebacker Jamin Davis #44 of the University of Kentucky Wildcats during the game against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at the 76th annual TaxSlayer Gator Bowl at TIAA Bank Field on January 2, 2021 in Jacksonvile, Florida. The Wildcats defeated the Wolfpack 23 to 21. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) /
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Washington Football Team rookie GM Martin Mayhew made a statement selecting Kentucky linebacker Jamin Davis with the No 19 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.

There’s a ton of pressure on any general manager, but when it’s your first year in the position like Martin Mayhew with the Washington Football Team, it’s turned up to the max.

Although unconventionally, Washington are the reigning defending NFC East champs. Ryan Fitzpatrick

was brought in this off-season to pick up where Alex Smith left off. Next up was the 2021 NFL Draft to help his team getter with younger players. Washington had a hole at linebacker, and Mayhew opted to address a position of need with the No. 19 overall pick.

With Micah Parsons and Zaven Collins off the board, Mayhew selected Kentucky linebacker Jamin Davis to the confusion of many across draft media. It’s not that Davis isn’t a good linebacker. He’s tall — 6-4, 225 pounds — with excellent length. And he’s an explosive player teams want in a coverage backer. The Kentucky standout has good range and quickness aiding in his upside, but that’s just it.

Davis doesn’t have the ability to fight through traffic. While he does a really good job in block deconstruction, he doesn’t have the instincts and processing skills you want in Day 1 starter. He was projected as a developmental linebacker who could start in year two or three with a Day 2 Grade.

There’s no doubt Ron Rivera will get the best out of a prospect with similar traits to Shaq Thompson who he coached in Carolina. He’s WILL backer Rivera can feel good about when dropping back in coverage.

The concern comes when he’s asked to play the run on early downs. If he’s a sub-package defender for them, this was a mistake. If he’s asked to start right away they’ll have to deal with the growing pains.

Next. 2021 NFL Draft: Day 2 mock draft prediction. dark

However, Washington had other options sitting there. With needs at corner, they could have taken Greg Newsome or Erik Stokes, both players who would have upgraded their secondary. A better option of course was Caleb Farley who could pay off in a big way. With the Giants and Eagles taking wideouts, grabbing a corner would have made more sense.

Grade: C

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