CB, Vontae Davis, Illinois

CB, Vontae Davis, Illinois

Pros: Ball hawk, physical and aggressive, good quickness and hips, can break with receivers well.  Very athletic.

Cons: Raw technique, relies on physical gifts too much.

Styg's Broncos Fit:   Ideal size for the position, Davis doesn't consistently add up to the sum of his parts. While he is an aggressive and physical tackler, he isn't nearly physical enough with receivers in their routes. Despite his ability to find the ball, he doesn't make nearly as many plays as he gets himself in position to make. He does have the versatility to be moved to a safety-type role, but despite his strength he isn't a sure tackler. While many will look at his tangibles and want to lay claim to his "upside" and potential, I say Denver should be wary of his under-production, and look elsewhere early.

Around MHR:

SBNation Says:

 From Scouting Report at Mocking the Draft:

Davis is the perfect combination of size and speed for a cornerback. He possesses the speed to stick with the fastest receivers and the size to matchup with the biggest. Unlike most cornerbacks, Davis likes to make a hit and is a sound tackler. Very good ball skills, even though teams rarely threw at him in 2008. Has the size to play at safety if needed.

From: Top 32 Prospects for 2009

28. Vontae Davis, CB Illinois (Jr.)
The rare blow-him-up hitting corner, Davis hits like a ton of bricks, and while his coverage skills still need improving, he has the athleticism to go along with the tackling ability to grow into an intriguing pick.

                                                               ~At Arrowhead Pride, SBNation Chiefs blog.

A side effect of this was the number of nicks and bruises Moore suffered over the course of his senior year.

Highlights

Scouting Reports and Offsite Links:

• During his time at Illinois, Davis has improved drastically. He has gotten to the point where opposing defenses have virtually stopped throwing in his direction; cutting the field in half for offenses. He would be an great fit for an aggressive team because he's an excellent blitzer. Davis is just as comfortable rushing the passer from the corner spot as he is in coverage.  [see more...]
• Davis' size, speed, and instincts for the game will make him among the first 10-15 picks, but there is no doubt about it he needs to improve as a player. I was disappointed because I felt like he could have had 7-9 INTs based on the film I watched. His name will be said often during combine week, which is when his stock could soar to being among the top eight picks.  [see more...]
• Vontae was blessed with superior athleticism that he uses to his full advantage to abuse college wide receivers. A rare cornerback prospect who could literally play any position in the secondary. Loves to chirp and loves to punish receivers. Vontae has shown consistently that he is willing to give up his body to deliver a devastating hit.  [see more...]
• Getting some education in the NFL is going to enhance the already special skills that Davis has.  Davis exhibits great ball skills and finds the ball well when it is in the air and can make a play on it.  He has the ability to leap up and either tap the ball away or come down with the interception.  Mechanically Davis is pretty sound and makes the transitions and moves necessary for a top of the line cornerback to have.  He is also well adept at supporting against the run which is something that is desired in NFL cornerbacks.  [see more...]
• Brother, Vernon, plays for the San Francisco 49'ers and was the 6th overall pick in the 2006 NFL Draft...Was a three-year starter for the Illini...Named 1st Team All-Big Ten in 2007 and 2008...Was benched by Ron Zook at one point as a junior...Could also project to safety at the next level...Has everything you look for physically but intangibles leave much to be desired...The most gifted defensive back in this draft and a legit Top 10 pick based on talent alone...Boom or Bust prospect.  [see more...]
• The brother of San Francisco 49ers tight end Vernon, Vontae Davis did not perform at the level many were expecting in 2008. While nobody can challenge his athletic ability and potential to be a shutdown corner, there will be a lot of hard work in his near future no matter where he goes. That in lies the problem. Despite his well respected work ethic in the weight room, his passion for the game of football has been questioned by those in the know and his brother’s lackluster start to his career has not helped that notion.  [see more...]
• There is no doubt that Vontae Davis is one of the most physically gifted corners in the draft, but his inconsistent effort at Illinois is cause for concern. Davis is going to need to play with more discipline at the NFL level. At times in the Big 10, he seemed to get lost on the field and does not make the plays you would think a player with his athelicism and aggressive nature would make. Davis represents a classic high risk, high reward player. He will need to show teams that he is committed to the NFL.  [see more...]