Saints improve pass rush, trade up to select Marcus Davenport

The New Orleans Saints have selected edge rusher Marcus Davenport out of Texas-San Antonio with the 14th overall pick of the 2018 NFL Draft.

Davenport is expected to fortify a pass rush that already includes All-Pro defensive end Cameron Jordan.

During his final collegiate season, Davenport earned Conference USA Defensive Player of the Year honors.

Gifted with excellent athleticism and straight-line speed, Davenport figures to be a nightmare for NFC South offensive coordinators.

Marcus Davenport Bio

Position: DE/OLB
School: UTSA
College Experience: Senior
Height: 6-6
Weight: 264 lbs

Strengths

• Ideal height and arm length for a 3-4 or 4-3 defense.
• Converts speed-to-power better than most edge rushers in this class.
• Both quick and fast: closing speed to ball-carrier is impressive.
• Has improved his production each year of college.
• Very aggressive on-field demeanor: has devastating initial contact/punch that few offensive linemen can recover from.
• Uses a combination of pass-rush moves and could use additional coaching to reach his full potential.
• Possesses an impressive bull rush for a player his size.

Weaknesses

• Playing in the Conference USA, he did not battle many elite offensive linemen.
• More of a straight-line finisher than a fluid/change-of-direction athlete.
• Takes his eyes off the ball at times, especially during play-action.
• Plays with high pad level too often: must improve given his height.
• Could add strength for next level to take on blockers at the point of attack.

Athletic testing