I’ve read a few articles that have been saying Jarrad Davis could be a bust and frankly I think those are plain wrong. He has all the physical traits to be a leading middle linebacker in the league and his mental side of the game is nothing to be worried about. As a rookie you are never going to come into the NFL and be a dominant figure from day one. Especially at a position that requires you to know so much about the game and read what offenses are doing pre-snap.

The mental side of the game will come with time. This was shown as during the last six weeks of the season he was the fourth rated linebacker across the league by PFF. There are a few factors here involved and one was that he was asked to do a lot less coverage wise during these weeks. The Lions were utilizing his strengths properly. He does take some bad tackle angles but once again I think that is just his keenness to make a play on the ball. In his sophomore year I’m sure he’ll take a step up and keep on the progressive line that he was making week 11 onward.

Davis was brought in to be a leader on defense and that is something he will certainly be this year. His preparation on game day is fantastic as he admits he watches hours of film pre-game and meticulously studies offensive tendencies. His physical presence in the run game is also something that will impact on the defensive side of the ball. Leading to a more balanced defense than the Lions fielded in 2017.

List so far:

Rick Wagner – #20

Jamal Agnew – #19

Kerry Hyder – #18

Da’Shawn Hand – #17

Taylor Decker – #16

Frank Ragnow – #15

Matt Prater – #14

LeGarrette Blount – #13

Teez Tabor – #12

Devon Kennard – #11

Quandre Diggs – #10

Golden Tate – #9

Thanks for checking out the article everyone. Go Lions! Let me know what you think on Twitter @Alex_Watt_Lions and be sure to join the community on the Detroit Lions subreddit.