Menu Close

2017 NFL Draft Film Study: Corey Davis Is the Best Route Runner Among the Wide Receivers

Corey Davis dominated the MAC for four years and set the NCAA all-time wide receiver yards record, but is that production going to continue in the NFL?

At least he won’t be seeing as many double and triple teams.

The Western Michigan product posted 97 receptions for 1,500 yards and 19 touchdowns last season and surpassed Nevada’s Trevor Insley on the all-time NCAA receiving yards list with 5,278. Insley finished with 5,005.

Davis broke the record, previously held by Trevor Insley from Nevada (1996-99) with 5,005 yards

Let’s check out the tape …

STRENGTHS

Davis is the best route runner in the draft, using great footwork to create consistent separation. He also finds the open spots in zones an catches the ball with his hands instead of waiting for it to come to his chest.

 

Davis is proficient running after the catch, using his underrated quickness to get cornerbacks off-balance and utilizing his strength to run through arm tackles. He has outstanding vision in the open field.

 

Using his size and strength, Davis is a fantastic drive blocker. Mike Williams should take some notes.

 

WEAKNESSES

Davis does tend to have concentration lapses and drops the ball from time to time. He had 16 of them of his final three years with the Broncos. I’m not seeing too many other downsides besides that although I’d like to see him improve in jump-ball situations.

 

CONCLUSION

Out of the trio of Mike Williams, Corey Davis and John Ross, I believe Davis would make the most sense for the Eagles. I believe his phenomenal route running and ability to run after the catch would complement Alshon Jeffery, who is more of a 50-50 jump ball and back-shoulder ball target. I see a lot of Keenan Allen in Davis’ game due to his sheer route running prowess.

If the Eagles were to step up to the podium and call out Davis’ name, I surely wouldn’t be opposed.

 


You can follow Adrian Fedkiw on Twitter (@AdrianFedkiw) and e-mail him at [email protected]. Subscribe to The Bitter Birds on YouTube here. Follow Philly Influencer on Twitter (@PHL_Influencer), Facebook and Instagram.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.