CHECK OUT THE REST OF THE ZONE COVERAGE DRAFT GUIDE:
EXPLORING VIKINGS DRAFT TRENDS
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AKEEM DAVIS-GAITHER
HEIGHT/WEIGHT/AGE
6-foot-1
225 pounds
22 years old
BIG PICTURE
Even though he plays for a small school, Akeem Davis-Gaither has potential to be a Day 2 pick in the draft. He was a four-sport athlete in high school before launching a productive career with the Mountaineers out of the Sun Belt. As a junior he lined up in the box, in the slot and on the defensive line as a blitzer, where he was uber-successful. Didn't run at the combine, but he reportedly has speed that would benefit him in coverage.
COMBINE NOTABLES
21 bench reps
VIKINGS' COMPATIBILITY RANKING
3 out of 5. Fits the bill as a Day 3 linebacker the Vikings always draft.
HIGHLIGHTS
WHAT DRAFT EXPERTS SAY
Lance Zierlein, NFL.com: "No matter his size, Davis-Gaither is a playmaker with a talent for slipping blocks and ending up near the football. Teams who hope to roll him into a hybrid role may find he's a better pass rusher than cover man. He is comfortable and effective when playing downhill, but issues with inconsistent angles to the ball and missed tackles pop up when forced to play in space. Some teams will be uncomfortable with his size. However, he plays with instincts and toughness. He should find a home as a backup 4-3 weakside linebacker and productive member of special teams units."
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Kyle Crabbs, Draft Network: "Akeem Davis-Gaither projects best as a sub-package linebacker at the next level. Davis-Gaither is slippery along the LOS to duck blockers and shows very good short area quickness — but his lack of length and anchor are going to make it difficult for him to drop down into the box and effectively challenge and shed blockers. Instead, Davis-Gaither's pathway to NFL success is predicated in playing him in space and letting him flow freely to the football. Nickel/dime backer with ST upside."
WHAT PFF SAYS
25 pressures as pass-rusher in 2019
87.1 run defense grade last season
33 missed tackles last two years
CHECK OUT THE REST OF THE ZONE COVERAGE DRAFT GUIDE:
EXPLORING VIKINGS DRAFT TRENDS
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