Marcus Davenport of UTSA Combine Highlight Reel

Marcus Davenport - the name that’s been floating around NFL Draft media for the past two months.

A stature that makes scouts revel at the sight - 6’5”, 264 pounds - first stirred the Davenport pot at the end of the 2017 college football season, after he boasted C-USA’s Defensive Player of the Year Award. Murmurs soon turned to commentary amongst draft analysts about what the pass rush specialist could really offer at the next level. Though his size and highlight tape exceptional, overall grades were hindered because the level of competition he faced while at UTSA.

Then, the Senior Bowl rolled around, and the hype train got moving at top speed. Many of the unconvinced converted after Davenport sacked Heisman Trophy Winner Baker Mayfield on the opening series of the game. Others converted in the fourth quarter, when he seamlessly scooped a bouncing fumble off of the turf without breaking stride and ran it back to the house.

Now, any naysayers still persisting are completely out of ground to stand on after Davenport’s exceptional weekend at the NFL Combine.

Here’s how he looked by the numbers (as compared to the league’s current second-leading tackles for loss defender):

Don’t misconstrue this comparison. It’s necessary to keep in mind the Clowney likeness is based on just these attributes more so than playing style. Clowney is primarily a run stopper; Davenport a pass rusher.

His 40-yard dash time was the fastest among all edge rushers and second among all defensive lineman participating at the Combine.

His first 40 posted at 4.61”, and he actually improved it to 4.58” on his second take. The second run earned him a shoutout from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who happen to hold the seventh overall pick.

He also fared well in other quickness drills, proving his speed to work on an east-west plane and when exploding up.

Impressive strength while in motion, too. Note the simple praise; “That’s pretty good.” Enough said.

More of that strength:

As outstanding as Davenport did in his workouts and field drills, he also appeared quite polished through the other half of the weekend: interviews.

Known for intensive questioning of players, Combine interviews are often cited as a mentally grueling and testing process.

A well-spoken young man, Davenport’s reputation off the field is humble and nonchalant. He has a calm presence about him and conducts himself very peacefully; without the helmet on you would have no idea that he’s a menace to quarterbacks. His etiquette has translated well when speaking with media, and you can only assume it’s done the same in private interviews as well.

When it came to his press conference, Davenport was just downright charming.

But he was also deliberate as necessary.

And he got testy when a clumsy reporter pushed his buttons.

Only the second Combine invitee in UTSA’s seven-year history, the San Antonio native represented his university properly.

David Morgan II, UTSA’s first Combine participant, didn’t garner the same media focus that Davenport generated coming into the Combine weekend. This large of a stage is new and unprecedented territory for the Roadrunners, and it’s the best dang advertising UTSA has ever had.

At this point, he’s checked off every single box. If you’re not in love with him as a player, I don’t want you scouting for my team.

The standout showing should all but cement Davenport as a top 15 pick, if not catapult him into the top ten. The only remaining issue is that constant pestering bug of facing C-USA competition. Though, after this weekend most teams in the market for an edge rusher will deem his risk versus reward value as highly worth it.

Davenport will be UTSA’s second-ever draft pick behind Morgan II, who was taken by the Minnesota Vikings in the sixth round of 2016. He, too, had an excellent Combine weekend. Difference for Davenport, however, are the stakes being much higher with first round expectations.

NFL writer Jeff Risdon put it best: “(Davenport) is either going to be a 2020 Pro Bowl edge rusher or get his coach/GM that takes him top 20 fired.” I’ll take the former for $500, Jeff.