New England Patriots Possible Target in the 2015 NFL Draft – Mike Davis, RB South Carolina
 Mike Davis from South Carolina is a good running back with nice pass catching abilities out of the backfield. The Patriots may target him in the middle rounds of the draft.(USA TODAY Images) |
As the 2015 NFL Draft draws closer we’ll profile some of the players that may be on the Patriots radar. Some of these players have already been linked to New England as possible targets others, we feel would be a great fit.
Check out our earlier 2015 NFL Draft profiles on PatsFans.com:
DE/OLB Nate Orchard from Utah
WR Tyrell Williams from Western Oregon
DT Jordan Phillips from Oklahoma
DT Carl Davis from Iowa
RB David Johnson from Northern Iowa
CB Steven Nelson from Oregon State
OLB Zack Hodges from Harvard
CB Ronald Darby from FSU
WR Devin Funchess from Michigan
OG A.J. Cann from South Carolina
The Patriots have scheduled a visit or private workout with South Carolina running back Mike Davis according to NFL.com writer Ian Rapoport. The Patriots were in Columbia at the school Pro-Day to see G A.J. Cann but Davis turned a few heads with a time of 4.38 in the 40, a marked difference from his 4.61 he logged at the NFL Combine in February.
The Patriots could be looking for some depth at the running back position and a player who can not only run the ball between the tackles but be an effective pass catcher out of the backfield.
Currently the team has LaGarrette Blount, Jonas Gray, Brandon Bolden, James White, Travaris Cadet, Tyler Gaffney and Dion Lewis on the roster. The team lost Shane Vereen in free agency to the Giants and Stevan Ridley is currently a free agent.
Mike Davis from South Carolina could be a nice addition to the backfield as a back who can do both, run the ball and be an effective receiver out of the backfield. Davis, is forgoing his senior year in Columbia and enter the NFL Draft a year early.
In the always tough SEC, Davis racked up 2240 career rushing yards, caught 72 passes for 755 yards and a combined 24 touchdowns (22 rushing, 2 receiving), for the Gamecocks.
Davis is a compact, powerful runner at 5’9, 217 and can bull his way thru a hole but has the patience and vision to allow a play to develop. Has good acceleration thru the line and once in the open field is a difficult man to bring down, having five runs of 40+ yards.
He has good lateral movement and soft hands out of the backfield and is a nice option out of the backfield. He can find open spaces and create some mismatches when singled up on a linebacker.
Davis went thru a lot of wear and tear with the Gamecocks and wasn’t the same player at the end of the 2013 season. He had a few nagging injuries in 2014 that limited his effectiveness and production.
Pros:
- Stout, compact runner with a low center of gravity
- Has some nice moves in the running game, keeps his legs moving
- Good reliable receiver out of the backfield, soft hands
Cons:
- Injury concerns the last two seasons may have a lot of wear and tear on his frame
- Can be impatient with his reads
- Had some fumbling issues
Where Can the Patriots get him: With the Patriots seemingly still in the market for a running back and going with a committee approach, Davis would be a nice option in the late 3rd or 4th round.
The team is looking for that Shane Vereen replacement, and Davis is a proven pass catcher in the tough SEC and would immediately compete for the third down position with Bolden, White, Gaffney and Lewis.
Although short in stature, Davis is a good and willing blocker in pass protection as well and has the ability to step in and carry the ball as well as catch passes from Tom Brady. He played in South Carolina at 225, but has trimmed down to 217 and said at the combine that he prefers that weight. His performance at his Pro Day may be the proof that it gives him an added little burst in his step.
He comes from NFL bloodlines, his older brother was a star running back at Clemson and spent three seasons in the NFL for the Browns and Redskins.
Although there are some injury risks involved and he may already have some wear and tear on his body, the Patriots committee approach would be a perfect landing spot. He’s a difficult, low-to-the-ground, back who reminds one a tad of Maurice Jones-Drew. Tackling Davis is akin to trying to take down a bowling ball.
Here is a copy of Davis highlight tape via Gamecock Central:
He may be worth second glance for New England in the middle rounds.
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