The Gang Green addressed another need in Round 3, as they selected OLB Demario Davis from Arkansas State at #77 overall. Davis, 6'2", 235 lbs, is a fast linebacker who ran 40 yards in 4.53 seconds at the scouting combine. He recorded 229 tackles (129 solo) in his NCAA career and had 10 tackles for loss and 3 sacks in 2011.
Davis raised his stock during the scouting combine where posted an amazing 32 reps in the bench press, which was best among all linebackers and better than most linemen. Davis’ change of direction skills and acceleration are among his greatest strengths, which makes him deadly as a pass rusher and potent in pursuit.
Here's ProFootballWeekly evaluation of Demario Davis:
Positives:
Good size — well-proportioned and thickly built with an NFL musculature. Ranges sideline-to-sideline — flows laterally and can run and hit. Very good closing burst and acceleration to the strike point. Speed stood out at the Senior Bowl and was a top performer at the Combine — bench-pressed 225 pounds 32 times, posted an OLB-best 38 1⁄2-inch vertical leap and broad-jumped 10 feet, 4 inches. Flashes disruptive ability as a blitzer. Effective on kick coverage. Outstanding worker. Very durable.
Negatives:
Average eyes and instincts — slow to key and diagnose. Weight-room strength does not translate to the field consistently. Too easily reached and nullified. Does not jolt blockers and disengages late. Too many tackles come down the field. Shows tightness in his hips and shoulders. Limited coverage skills. Does not catch naturally. Lacks leadership traits and could take some time adapting to an NFL playbook. Was immature early.
Summary:
Strong, fast, search-and-flow, weak-side linebacker who elevated his stock as a senior and continued his momentum throughout the post-season process. Lacks ideal, starter-caliber instincts and playmaking ability but projects as a core special-teams player.