Matty's Big Board Prospect Countdown: 16!

Hey folks, the Super Bowl is behind us and it's time to focus on the next big event and that is the all powerful and mighty draft, which has the ability to take a team from the bottom of the barrel and turn them into a playoff caliber team (ex. Dolphins and Falcons). What I plan on doing is twice a week until draft weekend, I'll be counting down my top 25 prospects, discuss their strengths, weaknesses, overall impact in the NFL and potential landing spot. So, without further delay, I bring you the player who ranked number 16...

16. Vontae Davis, CB Illinois Illini

2008 Season Stats:
78 tackles, 3 FF, 2 INTs, 8 Pass def.

Career Stats:
206 tackles, 3 FF, 7 INTs, 22 Pass def.

Personal Stats:
6'0" 204 lbs. JR

Strengths:

Vontae Davis is a physical, strong and freak athlete at the corner position. He is great in run support, he is solid in pass coverage and has the strength to press just about any wide receiver at the line. He also has great straight line speed to catch up to speedier receivers who may get by him if he's playing in off coverage. He has good ball skills and is able to track very well when a play breaks down and he needs to improvise. He is without a doubt a sure tackler and blitzer and when he hits, he hits like a linebacker, he also comes from solid stock as his brother Vernon plays tight end for the 49ers.

Weaknesses:

Vontae's weaknesses are quite significant but I don't think they'll hurt his stock all that much. He has some real inconsistencies and has found himself riding the pine on more then one occassion, but I think this is due to the fact that he is still maturing and he is quite young. It also might be said that Vontae would be better suited as a safety considering his straight line speed, lack of fluid hips and his run stopping ability.

Overall:

I believe Vontae Davis is a top ten talent and that there is no way he gets past Green Bay at number nine, especially if Raji is off the board. But I believe he will be a great press man cover corner who can play out on island and help in the run game. I also feel that some teams may look at him at safety, kind of like a Reggie Nelson type player but I think he has the strength, speed and athleticism to be a solid corner in the NFL and if he can actualize his potential then I believe he can turn into an elite corner because he has all the potential in the world, he just needs to harness it and I believe coaches at the next level will be able to do this for him.



Projected NFL Destination:

With the 8th selection in the NFL Draft, the Jacksonville Jaguars select...









There you have it folks, be sure to tune in next week for Prospects #15 and #14!