Julie’n Davenport, OT, Bucknell: 2017 NFL Draft Scouting Report
When 6’7” and 310 lbs are on the scouting report, defensive linemen won’t rest easy the night before butting heads with Julie’n Davenport…
Bucknell certainly isn’t known for being a football powerhouse, and quite frankly, neither is anyone else in the Patriot League. However, that doesn’t mean talent cannot come out of subpar programs. Last year’s number two overall selection, Carson Wentz, emerged from the FCS. Talent has a way of revealing itself sooner rather than later, and maybe Julie’n Davenport can make it from the FCS too.
Measurables
Height: 6’7″
Weight: 310 lbs
Arm Length: 36″
Hands: 10 1/2″
Strengths
His 10 1/2” hands and 36” (3 feet) long arms place him amongst the NFL’s largest. He has the ability to pretty much stop anyone from getting into the backfield with that large of a wingspan.
He has decent athleticism, which he will use to hook the edge and block for screens. He also has the strength in his massive arms to help delay the blitz. After all, nobody on the line is expected to be a track star.
Davenport is also a proven leader. At Bucknell, he was a team captain in 2015 and 2016.
Weaknesses
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His footwork needs vast improvement. All of his physical traits will be vulnerable if he cannot set the edge against NFL defenders. The Patriot League more than likely left him inadequately prepared for edge rushers at the professional level.
He usually does not keep his weight balanced. He keeps his pads high and leans too far into blocks rather than keeping his feet moving beneath his frame, allowing defenders to go low and get past him. By giving up his legs, he also diminishes his size and strength, something that can be catastrophic for his draft value.
Final Thoughts
There are plenty of teams who need linemen and this isn’t a particularly deep draft. He has the intangibles. However, his skills need significant refinement. He is undeniably a work in progress. That being said, the tackle could pay significant dividends for any team willing to gamble on him. Expect Davenport to go late in the third round if not the fourth.