Dallas Cowboys Draft: 7 Different Defensive Tackles in 7 Rounds

Marlon Davidson, Auburn

Round Grade: Late 3rd/ Early 4th round

Value: Reach

Percentage Available: 70%

Davidson was only available in seven of my ten trials, so in theory, he shouldn’t be getting the nod here. However, in two of the three trials, he landed one pick before the Cowboys. I’d like to think the AI was just playing with me so I’m electing to make my first exception with Davidson.

Davidson’s positional and draft project have been all over the place and his combine has made both even more challenging. At Auburn, Davidson lined up everywhere from 3-technique to a 7-technique, yet his body type would suggest he’s probably best suited to play the under tackle role.

At 6-foot-3 and 303, Davidson is a big dude with a lean body. Unfortunately, that doesn’t translate like you might expect it too. Players of this body type try to win by shooting gaps or by swimming or spinning past their opposition. It is also typical of these tackles to have above-average burst and good bend.

Unsurprisingly, as someone who has split time at defensive end, Davidson does possess adequate bend, however, that is most of what he provides as an athletic specimen. Davidson does not have the explosiveness you’d expect from someone of his stature and in general moves a lot slower than you would like.

While some leaner players have impressive power, Davidson does not fit that. While his 33 inch arms meet the required threshold, he simply doesn’t have the complimentary upper body strength for his above-average hand placement and hand usage.

As a run stopper, Davidson looks lost. He never seems to be around the ball and also didn’t play a majority of “rushing downs” early on in his career. As it currently stands, Davidson would be a pass-rushing specialist for the team that drafts him.

If the Auburn lineman can add some strength, that would make him more explosive and it makes his good technique more impactful as a pass rusher. Until then, he probably doesn’t log many minutes even for the Cowboys who seemingly need any form of interior defensive line depth.