Cleveland Browns NFL Draft Profile: Corey Davis
Corey Davis was a man among boys in the MAC this past season. Capping off a career in which he became the FBS’ all-time leader in career receiving yards, Davis caught 97 balls for 1,500 yards and 19 touchdowns in 2016.
All this while leading a very good Western Michigan team to a perfect 12-0 regular season and an appearance in the Cotton Bowl. Fast and physical with a nose for the end zone, he has the tools scouts look for. The tape is definitely eye-popping.
Strengths: Davis gets credit for being a production machine. He cranked out 331 receptions for 5,278 yards and 52 touchdowns over four years. He is also renowned for his ability to make the big momentum swinging plays in a game. Catching the home run balls is a specialty that he has showcased often.
Probably the biggest strength of Davis has been his red zone production. His 52 grabs rank second all time in the FBS. On the intangible side, across the board Davis is reported to have tremendous work ethic. Draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. has commented on this quality he sees in Corey Davis.
In a draft profile from NFL.com, Lance Zierlein highlights all of these qualities:
"Outstanding four-year production. Alpha attitude on the field and not afraid to take on the challenge of heavy target load. Excellent competitiveness. Focuses like a laser when ball is in the air. Tracks the deep ball as well as anyone in college and understands how to stack cornerbacks and keep them on his hip. Has second gear to run under the long ball. Excels in intermediate and deep parts of the field…Dominates in red zone. High-point catcher who uses well-timed leaps and long arms to win the 50-50 throws."
Weaknesses: However, it is not all roses when it comes to Davis’ game. There are some flaws in his ability to run certain routes. He will have to improve his route-running at the next level if he wants to be elite.
On weaknesses, Zierlein says:
"Doesn’t always sell his vertical routes aggressively enough to make cornerbacks open their hips. Drifts, at times, on in-breaking routes, allowing defenders to squeeze the route. Needs to improve quickness into and out of his breaks underneath. Elongated into breaks when working from slot."
Then there is of course always the fear that a mid-major level player will have trouble transitioning to a higher level of competition. It is safe to say that Davis dominated the competition that he faced.
That is all that can be asked of him. Especially considering that often times he was double and triple-covered in games. Still the production continued.