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Tyeler Davison came into his 3rd NFL season trying to help the defense improve. He plays an important role as the 1 and 3-tech on the defensive line, but he does it as a rotational role with players like Sheldon Rankins and David Onyemata taking up a lot of snaps. Because of that, Davison had to make it count whenever he took the field — and in 2017 he did, especially against the run.
Tyeler Davison - At a Glance
- Approximate Value: 7
- Pro Football Focus Rank: 39th out of 122
- Overall Grade: 81.0
- Run Defense Grade: 83.8 (327 snaps)
- Pass Rush Grade: 67.4 (338 snaps)
- 2017 Stats: 16 games played, 31 total tackles (2 solo, 9 assisted), 0 sacks, 3 tackles for a loss, 2 forced fumbles, and 1 pass defended
Tyeler Davison (@DavisonTyeler) strikes, anchors & sheds. Note the extension he gets on the blocker! #Saints pic.twitter.com/ZIJv6KewOD
— DLineVids (@DLineVids) January 1, 2018
As you can see in the video above, Davison uses his strength and ability to extend from the blocker to move him around and sheds the block as the ball carrier approaches. He consistently brings this effort and strength to his game and therefore helps create problems for opposing blockers. This a massive help for the entire front seven when they face the run, as they have a guy who can take up multiple blockers and allow others to shoot and fill gaps to take down the running back.
While you get a lot of production from Davison against the run, his impact against against the pass is very limited. He shows off decent moves at times, but for the most part he gets washed out and doesn’t really affect the passer.
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Going forward, it would be great to see Davison become more of a dominating factor against the run. He was really good in 2017, but hopefully he can build on that and come back in 2018 as a true force against the run. It’s hard to see Davison ever becoming a big pass rusher, but if he does it would only be a bonus for the team.
Davison is currently set to be an unrestricted free agent following the 2018 season, so his play next season could determine a lot for his future. Let’s hope he balls out and becomes a big part of a great Saints defense.