Overview

One of the more intriguing prospects in this year's draft, Davis' athletic and playmaking abilities make some scouts believe he can be special. Statistically (7,258 yards, 56 touchdowns, 14 interceptions passing in 2006-2007), he matches up with other successful MAC quarterbacks of the past, including Ben Roethlisberger and Byron Leftwich.

Davis turned his production into postseason accolades, winning first-team all-conference the past two seasons. "Nate the Great" led the Cardinals to a 12-0 start and a No. 12 overall ranking before he and the team sputtered in the final two games off 2008 -- a loss to Buffalo in the MAC Championship and to Tulsa in the GMAC Bowl.

The 2008 MAC Offensive Player of the Year, Davis elected to take advantage of a poor senior class of quarterbacks and declared for the draft after his junior campaign. He is one of only four quarterbacks -- all underclassmen -- thought of having a possibility to be drafted in the first two rounds. Had an arm span of 32 inches and a hand span of 9 1/2 inches at the combine.

Earned three letters in football for coach John Magistro ... Helped team to a 13-1 record as a senior and a 21-8 mark in his career ... Helped the Big Reds to a 10-0 conference record and a state semifinal appearance as a senior ... Completed 125-of-207 passes for 2,932 yards and 42 touchdowns as a senior ... All-state and all-conference as a senior ... Threw for a Bellaire career record 7,348 yards and 81 touchdowns ... Set a school career record with 113 total touchdowns ... Three-time all-state and three-time all-conference ... In basketball, earned four letters and eclipsed the school's 50-year-old career scoring record with more than 1,800 points ... Helped basketball team to a 15-0 start as a senior.

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Analysis

Positives: With the exception of height, has all the physical tools scouts are looking for. Quick setup and delivery. Over-the-top throwing motion with an efficient release. Very good arm strength. Legitimate NFL accuracy to all levels of the field, including the long ball. Sets his feet and can drive the deep out from the opposite hash with ease. Good touch in the intermediate and deep areas. Throws a catchable ball with enough loft to allow his receivers to catch it in space and create yardage after the catch. Good mobility in the pocket. Has enough elusiveness to buy time and has a good straight-line speed for the position to take yardage when the defense gives it to him. Good leadership intangibles. An ascending talent with natural tools worthy of development.

Negatives: Shorter than scouts would like. Comes from a spread offense and his statistics are inflated because of it. Will have to make the adjustment of taking the ball from center. Questionable level of competition. Struggled against non-MAC foes, including against Tulsa in the GMAC Bowl. Plays with gloves on both hands and throws the ball without the laces. Has resisted coaches' attempts to change how he throws the ball. Documented learning disability and may struggle with a complicated NFL playbook.

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