2009 NFL Draft - Vontae Davis Scouting Report
by Clint Clearwater
NFL Draft Analyst


Prospect: Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois
Ht: 5'11 Wt: 203 40: 4.40

Strengths: Great against the run.  Very physical.  Strong for a defensive back (25 reps on the bench press at the Combine).  He is not afraid to tackle opposing backs, and has the ability to deliver big hits.  He can read plays relatively well.  He does a great job of standing up blockers and reading where the play is heading.  Good on man coverage.  He can keep up with big receivers and is physical enough to battle for the football.  Good hands.                                  

Weaknesses: He needs to improve his zone coverage.  He will often become locked onto one target and get sucked out of position.  Also he will let guys get behind him when doing this.  Gets too excited sometimes and goes for the big hit instead of just making the tackle.  He misses a lot because of this.  Although great against the run, he tends to occasionally tackle a little too high.  He could improve his technique.  He needs to improve on wrapping his arms around while tackling.  He is a little inconsistent.  He was benched in 2008, opening up huge questions about his work ethic.         

Summary: Vontae Davis, brother of 49ers’ tight end Vernon Davis, has without a doubt the skill level to play in the NFL.  However, he will need to improve in some major areas.  He needs to be more consistent in zone coverage and tackling.  Davis will also need to learn how to play in NFL systems.  He is already a very physical corner.  He has great athletic ability and awareness.  The only real downside I see in him that makes me worry is the work ethic issue.  All other areas can be improved with hard work and determination, however, without the work ethic who knows he will even be able to improve.  Vontae Davis has astounding potential, but some teams will shy away early in the draft because of questions about his work ethic. 

Draft Projection: Top 25


Last updated - 4/6/09


• Abromowitz's 2009 NFL Mock Draft - 7 Rounds
• Cox's 2009 NFL Mock Draft - 4 Rounds
• Mock Draft Database