2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Tyler Davis (DL – Clemson)

With being more than halfway through the College Football season, FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in March. Here’s a look at Tyler Davis.

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2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Tyler Davis

Tyler Davis (DL – Clemson)

6’2” – 300 lbs.

Background:

Four-star recruit who stepped right into a starting role at Clemson, mostly playing the nose tackle spot in 2019 and totaling 45-10.5-6.5 over 549 snaps in what turned out to be his most productive college season. Reprised his role in 2020 but was limited to 196 snaps over seven appearances after sustaining two injuries, and got hurt again the following year, sustaining a torn bicep which cost him several games; posted lines of 14-5.0-2.0 and 21-1.5-1.5 in those years. Got healthy in 2022 and finished with 31-9.5-5.5.

Positives:

Has consistently shown himself to be an effective nose tackle when healthy; has been able to hold down a starting role despite playing in one of the deepest defensive-line rotations in college football over the past few years. Thickly-built nose tackle who looks the part. Can line up anywhere from the zero-technique to the B-gap. Can be a real handful when he fires out low. Patient and pretty disciplined approach as a two-gap nose, supporting the defense’s run fits. Lower-body strength is very good; easily digs in and holds his ground at the line. Shows solid knee bend. Unlike many nose tackles, often stayed on the field on passing downs. Has a powerful bull-rush, with the ability to walk back opposing centers and demand attention from other players in the vicinity. Has a pretty good swim move to disengage. Gets his hands up to contest passing lanes.

Negatives:

2020 and 2021 seasons were derailed by injuries, so durability will be a concern. Doesn’t consistently fire out of his stance with explosiveness and a low pad level. Lacks ideal length and lets opponents into his pads a little bit too often. Range in pursuit is limited; much more of a space-eater. Overall game lacks suddenness. Doesn’t appear to have much of a repertoire of counters if his initial approach on passing downs is unsuccessful; ends too many snaps at the line of scrimmage trying to bat passes.

Summary:

One of the top pure nose tackles in the class, his healthy seasons showcased how effective he can be at anchoring and controlling blockers in the run game, as well as how his value wasn’t purely limited to early downs, playing a high number of snaps and creating some pressure with different moves on passing plays as well. Could end up coming off the board as early as the second day as a high-floor nose tackle if teams are comfortable with his medicals, or could fall into the third day if teams have concerns.

Projection: Round 3-4