2021 NFL Draft: 5 players who could be surprise first-round picks

The hype for Kentucky linebacker Jamin Davis is building at a rapid enough rate that him being labeled a possible “surprise” first-round pick could look funny in 50 or so days.

With that being said, a lot of mock draft machines project Davis somewhere in the 2nd-4th round range, but NFL guys are much higher on him than the machines.

Daniel Jeremiah of NFL Network has Davis ranked 35th overall among his top 50 prospects.

As is often the case, there has already been some first-round love for Davis elsewhere.

At 6-foot-4, 234 pounds, Davis is an absolute specimen at the position who can play and make an impact on all three downs. If NFL teams are looking to take linebackers in the first round these days, they have to be able to do exactly that.

Davis had 102 total tackles, four tackles for loss, three interceptions, and 1.5 sacks last season for the Wildcats. He has untapped potential as a blitzer and with the range he showed this past season for Kentucky, he will undoubtedly be an intriguing option for teams at the back end of round one.

His combination of athletic talent and production last season as well as a three-down projection at the next level have people buzzing.