Destructive Davis - Draft Big Board Series

By: Hussam Patel

Welcome to Juice’s Jumbo Board where each week I highlight an Impact player the Miami Dolphins Can target in next Year's NFL Draft. After Picking up 11 players in the 2020 draft, the Dolphins look to build their organization through the 2021 draft and compete in the postseason. Currently the Dolphins hold the following projected picks not counting compensatory picks (November 28th Update):
 
RD1: Pick 9 (From Houston)
RD1: Pick 22
RD2: Pick 40(From Houston)
RD2: Pick 56
RD3: Pick 87
RD4: Pick 118(Swap with Las Vegas)
RD4: Pick 152 (Swap with Las Vegas)
RD6: Pick 192 (From Pittsburgh)
 
With a non existent running game and choppy play from Miami O-line another stout O-lineman could be the answer to the O-lines woes. Wyatt Davis (Ohio St) is a mean 6-4 315 pound demonstration of an effective run blocker.

Ohio State IOL Wyatt Davis has officially declared for the 2021 #NFLDraft.

There’s a lot to like about arguably the top interior blocker in the country. pic.twitter.com/9oxzCJasqI

— Jordan Reid (@JReidNFL) September 11, 2020

As mentioned above, he can get into the second level using his sheer arm length and power while using his ballerina like footwork to move from each block and deliver crushing blows to defenders so his RBs have space to carry the ball.

If this 2i thought he was going to cross face of Wyatt Davis and play the B-gap... Good luck!

Look at the get-off from Davis at RG. Drives DT 5yds back and finishes him into the ground... Love it! pic.twitter.com/vnOuBrJJOR

— Ben Fennell (@BenFennell_NFL) November 22, 2020

Ohio State runs a zone blocking scheme, when two or three offensive linemen work in tandem as opposed to each offensive lineman having a specific, predetermined man to block. Moving from block to block and imposing his physicality as a pull guard in the scheme.
 
Davis’s body is very loose and able to move with fluidity to pancake edge rushers and thrust away interior lineman. Something the Dolphins offensive line has failed to do at the point of attack- which contributes as to why they rank dead last in yards per carry (3.6).
 
This has to do more so with personnel rather than play calling and Davis could be that missing piece to get the running game going. In short spaces he holds his ground against DT’s and NT’s, specifically big 3 and 1 technique guts and bulldozes himself on LBers.
 
Now Miami runs an inside zone scheme, where blockers block a gap which defenders run through. However, Miami’s young Guards and Tackles cannot hold it long enough for its RB Committee to go through. Fortunately, from tape Davis can stick to his man and is an immediate plug and play starter and can play in an inside zone scheme, zone blocking scheme or power run concepts.

"I am deeply saddened that my time in a Buckeye uniform has been cut short, but promise that my contributions to The Ohio State University are just getting started."@OhioStateFB All-American OL Wyatt Davis has declared for the 2021 @NFL Draft. pic.twitter.com/lDwwRSg0wn

— Ohio State on BTN (@OhioStateOnBTN) September 11, 2020

Davis is already physically gifted with his Grandfather Willie Davis, a HOFer has the NFL pedigree in his bloodlines. What really increases his draft stock and knowledge for the game is his complete understanding of blocking concepts. He knows how to open lanes for his teammates, whether it be inside or outside zone, power or RPO Concepts- he knows exactly what to do. Physically gifted and mentally refined. Davis can do it all.

Wyatt Davis says that his downfield block on this 26-yard JK Dobbins touchdown run was schemed for, and that he was accountable for the linebacker he blocked to spring Dobbins. Gave credit to Dobbins for a great play pic.twitter.com/46KkppOnPt

— patrick mayhorn (@patrick_mayhorn) September 17, 2019

The only knack on Davis is his hyper aggressiveness, it can be good but damaging at times. A speedy edge rusher can move by him if he exerts too much force- specifically in the passing game as seen below. He should be able to clean that up with coaching during the off-season program. For any interior lineman, a guard such as Davis, they primarily focus on run blocking more than pass blocking. This has often led to Davis sticking with one defender and not reading stunts/twists properly when a second defender is coming in. Again with coaching and learning from film he can fix that.

OSU OL, a thread. https://t.co/QjP9XveU8a

— Mike Golic Jr (@mikegolicjr) December 12, 2019

The first of two sacks allowed by Ohio State on Saturday night. Wyatt Davis slips on the grass in his pass set. Justin Fields slips trying to plant and escape. pic.twitter.com/b9CuxZUeAD

— Bill Landis (@BillLandis25) November 2, 2020

Miami might want to take Offensive play-makers to help Tua in the passing game, what's utmost important is the protection given to Tua so he can give the ball to his play-makers, whether it be WRs, RBs and TE’s. OL is a significant reason why teams succeed or fail in the NFL and we have seen that.

Wyatt Davis (OSU, OG) is firmly in competition for my IOL1. I love how he reanchors on this play and then stones the defender. He’s consistent and really well rounded. Great player. pic.twitter.com/toT62ISmq4

— Dante Collinelli (@DanteCollinelli) June 11, 2020

I would suggest Miami take Davis with the second pick of the 1st round or first pick of the 2nd round. His draft stock is rising and teams covet a complete Offensive Lineman-Miami should do the same to protect Tua and help the inefficient running game.

Please welcome Hussam Patel to PhinManiacs and please give him a follow on Twitter @AirXAlpha1721