Saturday, July 26, 2008

Fred Davis is NFL ready


Observing the Washington Redskins training camp, SI’s Peter King notes that tight end, Fred Davis, can play in the NFL “right now”. That was the assumption of many NFL scouts before the NFL combine, but with Davis measuring smaller than his listed numbers at USC, his stock dropped him from mid first round and into the second. The scouting opinions may have given the Skins a steal, as Davis’ skill package could eventually make him greater than his second round projection.

A native of Ohio, and ranked as the second best high school receiving prospect in the nation by Scout.com, Davis snubbed his local Buckeyes and attended USC. Just as quickly as he arrived, he was converted to a Tight End in Norm Chow’s offensive scheme. Though he saw the field sparingly, he was a member of the Trojans 2004 National Championship team.

By his senior year, Davis became the premiere target for John David Booty. With the departures of Dwayne Jarrett and Steve Smith, Davis (unbeknownst to most) led the 2007 Trojans in receiving. His senior year marked the arrival, and he inserted himself as one of the greatest offensive weapons in college football and a potential Sunday star.

Following April’s draft, the Washington Redskins find themselves with a collection of some of the best offensive skill players in the game, if they all live up to their potential. Davis can see action on the field, with he and Chris Cooley in the same sets. Michigan State’s Devon Thomas, and Oklahoma’s Malcolm Kelly represent targets out wide, with Clinton Portis laying the ground work. Jason Campbell is wowing with accuracy in camp, as he welcomes Jim Zorn and the West Coast Offense, the exact system he quarterbacked in his senior year at Auburn.

The NFC West may be the strongest conference in the NFL. Two of the best defensive secondaries may belong to the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles. The Redskins have a good secondary unit of their own, but the key to success will be dependent on the new offensive system and the addition of young playmakers. Steve Smith made big contributions during the Giants Superbowl run. And now, Fred Davis will be looking to do the same in Washington.

Fight On!

No comments: