2015 NFL Draft Profile: Carl Davis, DT Iowa

Iowa defensive tackle Carl Davis is a strong man. If you’ve ever heard the saying “tree trunks for legs”, they probably made up that saying after seeing Davis playing. He can take on double teams and go absolutely nowhere by just standing his ground using a low center of gravity and powerful legs. His arms are strong as well, as he can use them well to redirect offensive linemen and shed blocks.

Sadly, he doesn’t always keep that low center of gravity. Sometimes, he finds himself standing up too much and losing the battle at the point of attack. He also isn’t an established pass rusher from the interior defensive line, so teams shouldn’t rely on that part of the game when they select him.

While he does have flaws in his game, Carl Davis offers some unique talent for a team looking to secure themselves against the run. Other things like staying low and learning more pass rush moves are things that a good coaching staff could help him with, but those skills may take time to develop. Still, a man with his power should have some interested suitors near the end of the first round and into the second round.

Combine Measurables:

Jan 24, 2015; Mobile, AL, USA; North squad defensive tackle Carl Davis of Iowa (71) enters the field during player introductions before the Senior Bowl at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. The North won, 34-13. Mandatory Credit: Glenn Andrews-USA TODAY Sport

Height: 6’5″
Weight: 320 pounds
Arm Length: 34 5/8″
Hand Size: 11″
40 Yard Dash: 5.07 seconds
Bench Press: N/A
Vertical Jump: 33″
Broad Jump: 103″
3 Cone Drill: 7.91 seconds
20 Yard Shuttle: 4.47 seconds

Draft Projection

Carl Davis is the #52 overall prospect in the 2015 NFL Draft according to CBS Sports and is their #7 defensive tackle available. He projects as a second round selection.

NFL Player Comparison

NFL.com: C.J. Mosley, Detroit Lions
CBSSports.com: Domata Peko, Cincinnati Bengals

Fit For The Vikings

Minnesota should have their starters penciled in for the defensive tackles. Both Sharrif Floyd and Linval Joseph will man those spots, but they could look for rotational players or depth at the position.

My Take

Since it would most likely take the Vikings second round draft pick to get Carl Davis, I can’t see this happening. It’s even possible that he doesn’t last that long on draft day and a team that struggles against the run snaps him up. Because of that, the Vikings should pass on him in the first two rounds of the draft and only consider him if he slides all the way to the third round. And let’s be honest, that’s not going to happen.

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