Round 5 – 168th Overall
Four picks in the books so far, and all four have addressed the defense. If there is another quality defensive player on the board, we won’t shy away from it. But let’s see if there are any backs, wideouts or offensive lineman to grab in the fifth.
The pick: Julie’N Davenport, OT, Bucknell.
In the fifth, we finally address the offense — particularly, the trenches. Julie’n Davenport is a large man, standing 6’7″ and weighing 318 pounds. But he’s quick as well, having tested in the 79th percentile among all offensive tackles that have completed the 3-cone drill at the combine since 1999. He also has 36 1/2″ arms, which is in the 98th percentile. Ridiculous.
Julie'n Davenport is Mayock's fav small school player @ Senior Bowl:good feet,needs work on power https://t.co/rtP79CWDD2 via @YouTube
— 𝙰𝚕𝚍𝚘 𝙶𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚒𝚊 (@AldoBarkeeper) January 27, 2017
The physical tools are in place, and he just needs some refinement. Give him some time with Mike Tice and there is no question he can be better than Denver Kirkland and Vadal Alexander were in their rookie seasons.
Other players considered: David Sharpe, Donnell Pumphrey, Shelton Gipson, Blair Brown, Jadar Johnson.
Sharpe is another intriguing offensive tackle, but he’s legally blind in his right eye. He’s done well for himself thus far, but I had nightmares at the thought of Von Miller abusing a right tackle who can’t see out of one eye.
Shelton Gipson is a home-run hitter at wide receiver, but long-term, the trenches are where you win games. Donald Penn isn’t getting any younger, and right tackle is still a question mark. It remains to be seen if Davenport could slide over to the left side, but if not, he’ll compete at the right side with last year’s rookies.