:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/54159099/496140348.0.jpg)
Matt Davis - Quarterback - SMU Mustangs
Height: 6’1
Weight: 220 lbs
Vertical Jump: N/A
Broad Jump: N/A
40 Yard Dash: N/A
Bench Press: N/A
Matt Davis is one of the more intriguing G5 prospects heading into the 2017 NFL Draft. He surprised many by declaring his intention to enter the draft instead of applying to receive a sixth year of eligibility after tearing his ACL in the early portion of the season.
With so much uncertainty with the quarterbacks in this draft, he has the talent to go anywhere from early in the fourth round round to undrafted, depending on which teams are willing to take a chance on him.
Strengths
Watching game tape of Davis his scrambling ability jumped out at me from the word “GO”. He’s got the speed to get to the second level quickly, and has the ability to escape the pocket and avoid the blitzing defender.
His arm strength is underrated as he can fit the ball into tight spots and throws a pretty deep ball. In 2015 he had over 3,000 total yards and 26 total touchdowns.
Injury Risk?
The big concern with Davis is his ACL tear that knocked him out of most of the 2016 campaign.
This will scare some teams off, especially with Davis’ ability to scramble at the first sign of trouble, but he did work out for the Houston Texans at their local pro day last week, so his recovery time table should have him doing some workouts by rookie mini camp.
Player Comparisons: Terrelle Pryor, Denard Robinson
Now I know what you’re thinking? How the heck can you compare him to players at a position he isn’t even projected to play? There’s good reason for it. Davis will get a shot at QB, he’s got enough arm strength for that, but his ability to run with the football makes him a prime candidate to switch to a skill position.
Using a sixth or seventh round pick on a player that can be converted to a receiver? There are always teams willing to take a shot if the outcome can produce an NFL caliber starter such as Pryor.
It wouldn’t surprise me to see teams such as Buffalo, Kansas City, or Cleveland take a shot on Davis with a late round pick. However if he goes undrafted there will still be teams intrigued by his potential, and he should be on a roster come preseason.