Deshaun Davis’ film reveals promise and concerns." />Skip to main contentclockmenumore-arrownoyesHorizontal - WhiteCincy Junglea Cincinnati Bengals communityLog In or Sign UpLog InSign UpFanpostsFanshotsSectionsLibraryBengalsOddsAboutMastheadCommunity GuidelinesStubHubMoreAll 322 blogs on Horizontal - WhiteFanposts Fanshots Sections #BITESIZEFilm RoomRoster Transactions and ContractsOrange & Black InsiderSalary Cap And CBAFilm Room: Deshaun Davis is a physical player with a nose for the ballNew William Jackson Jersey Limited ,32commentsDeshaun Davis’ film reveals promise and concerns.EDTShareTweetShareShareFilm Room: Deshaun Davis is a physical player with a nose for the ballPhoto by Michael Chang/Getty ImagesThe linebacker position was a serious issue for the Bengals defense in 2018, so it wasn’t surprising when they double down at the linebacker position in the 2019 NFL draft. The second linebacker they selected was Auburn’s Deshaun Davis. Davis is considered a very intelligent play and even a coach on the field. He does however have some limitations, which is why he was a Day 3 pick. Athletic AbilityDavis’ testing results left a lot to be desired, but he does show athleticism on the field. Watch as he changes direction and closes in on the quarterback in this clip. This demonstrates that he has enough functional athletic ability to play the position.Davis once again shows off his athletic ability against this jet sweep here. The ball carrier presses all the way to the numbers. Davis is not quite there in time to make a play in the backfield, but is able to adjust and make the tackle from behind for a short gain. Davis is not an extraordinary athlete, but appears to meet the minimum threshold to be at least serviceable on a defense. Block DestructionDavis generally does a good job of getting off of blocks. Here he takes on the puller who is leading up the hole with good leverage and brings his hips through which gives him power. As a result, he is able to disengage from the block and make the tackle in the gap.In this clip, the center is quick to get off of the double team block and up to Davis. Davis engages on the center aggressively and is able to shed the block with ease. He then tracks down the ball carrier on the edge, knocking another blocker out of the way in order to get involved in the tackle. Davis is a bit slow to make his reads, which may be a function of his role in the Auburn defense. This frequently leads him to get blocked, but he engages the blockers before they engage him and this helps him get off these block more often than not. TacklingDavis has a lot of issues with his tackling. Far too often he dives at the legs of the ball carrier. Even when he does not, he is inconsistent bring his hips and keeping his legs moving. This clip is a great example of him diving to make a tackle. He is able to make the play this time, but when a player dives he takes his eyes off of the ball carrier and leaves his feet. Both of these things can lead to missed tackles. Look at the size of the gap the ball carrier is running through. If he planted his outside foot and cut to the inside just as Davis left his feet Preston Brown Jersey , he would be running for a long time. This is a much better tackle. It is an inside zone play to the offense’s right and Davis is the outside linebacker to their left. Davis is the cut back player and patiently waits, reading the backfield action. When the running back looks to bend back to the left, Davis steps forward. This time, he stays on his feet and brings his hips on contact with the running back. Davis keeps his feet moving and drives him back into the backfield. Davis is inconsistent as a tackler. He has shown that he can be a good tackler, but dives wildly too often and even when he keeps his feet he does not always follow through on his tackles. These issues are fixable with good coaching.CoverageDavis was not asked to do too much in coverage. He mostly drops into the hole and reads the quarterback. In this clip he does just that. After showing blitz, he bails out keeping his eyes on the quarterback. The quarterback sets up quickly to throw to the left, and Davis breaks on it quickly. He gets there shortly after the ball and is able to get involved in the tackle.Deshaun Davis is not going to blow you away with his athletic ability, but he shows some flashes of ability that indicate that he could make an NFL roster. He is a physical player, with a nose for the ball. His athleticism is a limiting factor, but many of his issues can be fixed. The Bengals’ star receiver is back at practice, but a new system, his entrance into his 30s and his early exit from two of the past three seasons bring all sorts of questions about this year’s outlook." The Orange & Black InsiderAnalysisVideosShould we expect more, less or the same production from A.J. Green in 2019?New Ryan Finley Jersey ,13commentsThe Bengals’ star receiver is back at practice, but a new system, his entrance into his 30s and his early exit from two of the past three seasons bring all sorts of questions about this year’s outlook. EDTShare this storyShare this on FacebookShare this on TwitterShareAll sharing optionsShareAll sharing options for:Should we expect more, less or the same production from A.J. Green in 2019?TwitterFacebookRedditPocketFlipboardEmailThe Cincinnati Bengals have kicked off mandatory minicamps for 2019, and while there are a bunch of new faces on this year’s squad, the return of some old faithfuls have been a sight for sore eyes. One of those needed returns came in the form of A.J. Green, who did on-field route work for the first time since late last season. Green had surgery on a damaged toe ligament towards the end of 2018, but has seemingly bounced back nicely in his recovery. Also bringing smiles to Who Dey faithful was in Green’s recent proclamation that he’d like to stay in Cincinnati for the long-term. His contract expires after this season, but he has liked what he has seen in the new Zac Taylor regime to want to stay in The Queen City for what would seemingly be the rest of his career. Still, even though he has looked great in very limited work this summer, one may have to pause about Green’s 2019 outlook. Even though he’s had a Hall of Fame caliber career, there are a few reasons to be skeptical that we’ll see the great players we’ve seen for the vast majority of No. 18’s career. On the flip side, we could be staring at the greatest season yet from Green. A number of factors Cheap Renell Wren Jersey , ranging from his mindset to plays conducive to his skills could yield big results. John Sheeran and I discussed Green’s 2019 outlook on this week’s Orange and Black Insider podcast. The pros and consNew offensive system: Taylor was part of a system under Sean McVay that produced two receivers with at least 80 catches and 1,200-plus yards. Given Green’s career statistics, these types of stats lines are right up his alley. And, with what should be a more innovative scheme, Green should see a number of big play opportunities. Conversely, however, the system will also be attempting to spread the ball around. Tyler Boyd is trying to pave his own way to stardom, while John Ross is looking to take another big step as a pro. And, if Tyler Eifert can actually stay healthy, that’s more potential targets away from Green. Age and injuries: In two of the last three seasons, Green ended up on Injured Reserve. Unfortunately, in those two seasons (2016 and 2018), he was on pace for a couple of his best statistical years. Of course Michael Jordan Jersey Limited , the two season-ending injuries were more of bad luck nature than his being “injury-prone”, but as Green approaches 31 years of age, doubts on longevity creep into the mind. Were the hamstring and toe issues just freak incidents, or are they initial signs of a body breaking down from years in the sport?Potential uncertainty at quarterback: Really, this argument mostly centers around Dalton’s own missing of the end of seasons in two of the last four years. With two freak thumb injuries in 2015 and 2018, Dalton missed time and if that continues, it could hurt Green’s production. The “Taylor system” facet also plays into this here. Common sense tells us that Dalton could be in for one of his best professional seasons this year, but there is also the small chance of growing pains and immense outside pressure while in Taylor’s new scheme. Chip on his shoulder: In case you didn’t know, Green is a competitive guy. While he’s always been low-key, he’s shown the occasional emotional moment on the field (Jalen Ramsey, anyone?). We’re pretty sure Green has fought of his own internal demons chirping about these injuries and his age, so he’ll want to prove people wrong. Given his track record, his path to redemption http://www.cincinnatibengalsteamonline.com/alex-redmond-jersey , so to speak, should be readily available. A contract year: As mentioned above, Green’s future with the club is up in the air at the moment. Most folks believe the Bengals will give him a new deal to remain with the club, but stranger things have happened. Regardless, we’ve seen players with much less talent than Green raise their play with a big, new payday potentially on the horizon. Green could do the same, and that aforementioned chip on his shoulder could grow even larger if Cincinnati low-balls him this summer.