• NFL Network
  • En Español
  • Mobile
Photo of James Davis
Grade
?
  • 4.60 SEC
    Top Performer
  • 17 REPS
    Top Performer
  • 32.0 INCH
    Top Performer
  • 109.0 INCH
    Top Performer
  • 7.15 SEC
    Top Performer
  • 4.37 SEC
    Top Performer
  • 5'11" Height
  • 218LBS. Weight

Overview

Davis earned a second-round grade from the NFL Advisory Committee in 2007 after rushing for more than 3,000 yards and 36 touchdowns over his first three years at Clemson. But the two-time first-team All-ACC pick elected to return for his senior season, again showing a player's stock doesn't always increase by returning to school. He rushed for only 751 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2008; still, Davis flashed the speed, power and aggression to run over defenders to be a fine NFL back in his limited chances behind a struggling quarterback and offensive line. In the right system, he could contribute immediately. Had an arm span of 30 1/2 inches and a hand span of 10 inches at the combine.

Analysis

Strengths

Positives: Tight skinned athlete with good overall musculature. Good all-around athleticism. Quick to the hole. Good lateral quickness to make defenders miss in the open field. Can stop and start to elude defenders and is a threat to gain big yardage every time he touches the ball. Not a bullish runner, but has good lower leg drive and is at his best when he gets significant carries. Flashes explosiveness and can run through tackles. Secure ball handler. Negatives: Characterized as the "Thunder" in Clemson's "Thunder and Lightning" combo of he and C.J. Spiller, but isn't necessarily a strong interior runner. Effective interior downhill runner and will bowl over the occasional unsuspecting defender, but lacks the explosive power to gain the tough yards after contact. Only marginal production as a receiver, but shows the hands and body control to be productive in this area. Lacked effort and technique as a pass blocker and really struggled in this area during the Senior Bowl. Missed most of the 2008 spring recovering from offseason shoulder surgery.
×
Grade Title Draft (Round) Description
96-100 Future Hall of Famer Top Pick A once-in-a-generation type prospect who could change how his position is played
85-95 Immediate Starter 1st An impact player with the ability/intangibles to become a Pro Bowl player. Expect to start immediately except in a unique situation (i.e. behind a veteran starter).
70-84 Eventual Starter 2nd-3rd A quality player who will contribute to the team early on and is expected to develop into a starter. A reliable player who brings value to the position.
50-69 Draftable Player 4th-7th A prospect with the ability to make team as a backup/role player. Needs to be a special teams contributor at applicable positions. Players in the high range of this category might have long-term potential.
20-49 Free Agent UDFA A player with solid measurables, intangibles, college achievements, or a developing skill that warrants an opportunity in an NFL camp. In the right situation, he could earn a place on a 53-man roster, but most likely will be a practice squad player or a camp body.
NFL News
CONTENT
15