2021 NFL Draft: Grading every first-round pick after rookie year
By Randy Gurzi
![Jan 9, 2022; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) throws the ball during the first half against the Indianapolis Colts at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports Jan 9, 2022; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) throws the ball during the first half against the Indianapolis Colts at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/91336b1d1b4f8697a8df03e245210bc21c769815d577119ef6fc4b393a8e24f8.jpg)
Grading every rookie from the 2021 NFL Draft: Jamin Davis, LB, Washington Commanders
2021 Stats:
- 76 Tackles
- 3 Tackles For a Loss
- 1 Sack
- 1 Pass Defense
Kentucky’s Jamin Davis started climbing boards late in the draft process, which usually means pundits who have been studying the incoming class weren’t as high on a player as NFL staffs were. Eventually, there starts to be some buzz around certain names and that leads to a realization that a certain player could go much higher than expected.
That’s what happened with Davis who wound up going 19th overall to the Washington Football Team, who is now known as the Washington Commanders. As a rookie, Davis recorded 76 tackles and a sack, which he did despite not starting the entire season.
Davis did appear in 16 of the team’s 17 games and had eight starts. He also boasted a low missed tackle rating for a rookie, as he was usually able to stop the ball carrier once he got his hands on them. He also showed some versatility as he lined up in several spots throughout the season, even dropping back as a defensive back on occasion.
Having said all that, there’s a lot of room for growth. Davis graded out rather low on PFF but he did well as a rookie and could get better with more experience.
Grade: C+