2015 NFL Draft Prospect Profile: Carl Davis, DT, Iowa

Keeping the defensive front stocked with talent has always been a high priority for the Giants. Not only have they made considerable free agent investments into the defensive line, but have also drafted defensive linemen in the first three rounds more often than not.

Due to a variety of factors, the Giants once again find themselves in the position of needing to upgrade their defensive front. They still have the perpetual need for an impact linebacker, but added to that is a need to upgrade their defensive line.

Iowa's Carl Davis has been heralded as one of the best defensive tackles in this draft class, and he will likely be on the Giants' radar.

Pros

- Prototypical size at 6-5, 320 pounds. Stout base and looks to have long arms.

- Very well put together and carries that size well. Doesn't look anything like a 320-pound lineman.

- Powerful player with improving, active hands. Quick upfield as well.

- Difficult to move and controls double teams well.

Cons

- Doesn't have the agility you want to see.

- Despite his athletic build he seems to get fatigued

- Height can work against him, and he can lose leverage

Does He Fit With The Giants?

I think so. The Giants love size and length in their defensive players, and Davis has that in spades. They also love versatility, and Davis has the tools to play both the 1-technique and the 3-technique. The problem is that while he is an athletic tackle, he seems to lack lateral agility, and that will hurt his ability to rush the passer. That also means he controls a relatively small area compared to his size.

However, if he can continue to improve his ability to consistently play with leverage and improve his agility, he can be a definite weapon along with Johnathan Hankins and Jay Bromley.

Prospect Video

Big Board Rankings

Big Blue View - 57

Mocking The Draft - 85

CBS Sports - 39

Draft Countdown - 58

Draft Tek - 51

Final Thoughts

Carl Davis is an intriguing prospect, and one who could be fairly high on the Giants' big board. He has the obvious physical traits the Giants like, plays a position of need, and by all reports has high character and football IQ.

However, much like Hankins he could be dinged for not having much pass rush production and conditioning concerns. If Davis can harness his those physical gifts, he could turn that weakness into a strength, and become a valuable chess piece for Steve Spagnuolo to move around the defensive line. He flashed that ability when put at the 3-technique in the Senior Bowl, so there could be reason to hope.

Even if he isn't able to develop a consistent pass rush, his ability to control blockers would be a welcome addition for the Giants' linebackers.