Washington Football Team: Jamin Davis, it’s time to Put up your Dukes
The No. 19 overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft, Jamin Davis, has yet to have a signature game for the Washington Football Team. Drafted out of Kentucky, Davis only played in 11 total games during his career as a Wildcat. So, it’s easy to understand how Davis has yet to make an impact at the NFL level. After all, he was one of the more raw prospects drafted within the first round.
To date, Jamin Davis has seen limited game action so far. In his first game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Davis looked a bit out of sorts at the professional level. He played on 56 percent of Washington’s defensive snaps but only accounted for two tackles. Davis improved in week two against the New York Giants.
Per Pro Football Focus, Jamin Davis notched an 89.0 overall grade which was the highest among all defenders in the game. He did so playing on only 39 percent of Washington’s total defensive snaps. Davis recorded only four tackles, one of which resulted in a third-down stop for Washington’s defense in the red zone. On the play, Davis had Giants wide receiver Sterling Sheppard draped in coverage.
Against the Buffalo Bills, Jamin Davis earned the first start of his career. Like all Washington Football Team defenders, Davis didn’t do much in the 43-21 blowout. He played 52 percent of snaps (41 plays) and recorded six total tackles. However, he did record a tackle in space on Bills running back Zack Moss that prevented a fourth-down conversion.
Here's that Jamin Davis stop from a better angle pic.twitter.com/6zT9cWiOwz
— Mark Bullock (@MarkBullockNFL) September 26, 2021
What impact will Jamin Davis have against the Atlanta Falcons?
Jamin Davis should garner more playing time as the season unfolds. Already through three games, Davis is Washington’s best cover linebacker. Per Pro Football Reference, Davis has given up only 30 receiving yards and 7.5 yards per completion. Those marks are the highest for Washington’s linebackers this season. Against Buffalo, Jamin Davis recorded the highest coverage grade of any Washington linebacker with a 50.4.
A preseason favorite for the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, Davis has yet to provide Washington’s defense with the impact the team had hoped. With an increased workload against the Atlanta Falcons, Jamin Davis will have every opportunity to play his first complete game in the National Football League.
Davis will be relied upon to limit rookie tight end Kyle Pitts of the Atlanta Falcons. Washington has a history of making inept tight ends look like Tony Gonzales. The highest-drafted tight end in NFL history has recorded 11 catches for 139 yards so far in 2021. With fellow linebackers struggling in coverage, the onus will be on Jamin Davis to prevent Pitts from accumulating the first breakout game of his career.
On Sunday vs the Falcons, Davis should play the bulk of the defensive snaps in favor of veteran Jon Bostic who is a liability in the passing game. If the coaching staff entrusts Jamin Davis with more responsibilities and playing time on defense, he could be in line for that breakout game Washington’s defense desperately needs to get back on track.
