26 Aug Preseason Scouting Notes: Danny Davis III, WR, Wisconsin
Senior | 6’0″ 194 lbs | Springfield, Ohio
A savvy and advanced route runner who showcases beautiful body control and in-air adjustments
Overview:
After committing to Wisconsin as a 4-star recruit, Danny Davis III saw work early in his career. As a freshman, he boasted an impressive 16 YPC, but his production has fallen dramatically since. While he saw some more reps as a versatile gadget player on offense in 2019, his game saw a decrease due to the heavy run offense that the Badgers are notorious for. Davis aligns in the slot and on the boundary and has shown success at both while also being a spark plug for the Badgers offense. He was suspended for two games in 2018 for allegedly being present in the sexual assault committed by teammate and roommate Quintez Cephus (eventually both were acquitted).
Strengths:
– Uses crafty deceptions and head fakes at the top of routes to create separation
– Able to use his above average jumping ability to attack the ball at its highest point
– Uses fantastic body control to make catches inbounds along the sidelines
– Extensive, polished route tree. Has run numerous routes and makes an impact at all three levels of the field
– Able to find vacated spot in zones
– Puts in the necessary effort as a blocker in the run game
– Will make the occasional wonder catch that not many can make in tight coverage
– Beats defenders in the open field with slippery changes of direction
Areas to improve:
– Gets overpowered and misdirected on his release easily in press coverage due to poor footwork and strength
– Release off the LOS is slow. Does not beat defenders with his first step or initial quickness
– Far too many body catches and concentration drops
– Struggles to extend his catch radius and haul in balls that are low
– Not a burner. Has enough wheels to make plays but will not blow by defenders when covered
Injury concerns:
– 2017 undisclosed leg injury (missed 3 games)
– 2018 undisclosed abdomen injury suffered in practice (did not miss any games)
– 2019 undisclosed foot injury (miss a portion of preseason)
– 2019 undisclosed leg injury suffered in practice (did not miss any games)
– Another 2019 undisclosed left leg injury suffered in practice (did not miss any games)
– A third 2019 undisclosed left leg injury suffered in practice (did not miss any games)
Projection:
Without gamebreaking physicality or athleticism (paired with a lack of big numbers), Davis is likely to be a mid-to-late Day 3 prospect. However, his ceiling could be as a high end third option as a designated slot receiver who has the ability to line up outside as well. Day one he can come in and contribute as a fifth option and solid depth piece as well as being a core special teamer due to his hot motor and up-tempo attitude.
What to watch in 2020:
With his weaknesses lying in his physicality, athleticism and production, Davis will need to focus on those few core aspects of his game to boost his stock. He will need some weight to increase his play strength on his release as well as prove that he can be a gamebreaking athlete with the ball in his hands which is a commodity at the next level. In addition to proving himself physically, the production needs to become consistent as well as being consistently on the field. A full, undistracted season will be ideal for Davis as he has struggled to stay completely healthy.
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- A native of southern Connecticut, Tim has been a passionate Cowboys fan since birth.
- Sports-Leisure Management major, knowledgeable in all aspects of sport and plans to get a career in this field.
- His interest in football has been life-long and he found his niche in scouting.
- Tim hopes to continue scouting and find his way into the pros or even as a college recruiter.