Saints' Marcus Davenport 'doesn't specialize in just one thing'
 

Marcus Davenport's size and athleticism make it easy to see why he was a top prospect in this year's NFL draft, but there's another aspect of his game that could make him a special player for the New Orleans Saints.

Before coaching Davenport at UTSA, Frank Wilson spent six years at LSU. He said Davenport's pass-rush skills reminded him of Barkevious Mingo while his run-stuffing ability reminded him of Tyson Jackson.

Because Davenport is a well-rounded defensive end, the non-LSU names Wilson mentioned as comparisons were Myles Garrett and Jadeveon Clowney, two top edge prospects in recent years.

But when providing his evaluation of Davenport, Wilson also mentioned a player who didn't play along the defensive line. Former LSU defensive back Tyrann Mathieu is the most instinctive player Wilson has ever seen, and the coach thinks Davenport is "a lot like" the Honey Badger.

"He just happens to find the ball all the time and then puts himself in position to affect the play," Wilson said of Davenport, who batted eight passes and forced six fumbles the past three seasons.

Defensive end was the Saints' top need going into the draft, which is part of the reason they traded next year's first-round pick to the Packers to go from No. 27 to No. 14 this year to get a player with 21 1/2 career sacks.

Davenport also grew up a Saints fan because his father, Ron, is from New Orleans East, but neither of them thought he would end up with the Saints as they picked 27th.

"He's got the black and gold around him," Ron Davenport said. "I got the emblems around my car. I'm Saints all the way, always have been."

And even though Davenport is still considered a bit of a project coming from UTSA in Conference USA, Wilson thinks the Saints are the perfect team to develop him. Wilson is close friends with Ryan Nielsen, the Saints defensive line coach who previously worked with Wilson at Ole Miss.

"I'm just overjoyed by the opportunity that's been bestowed upon Marcus," Wilson said. "I think he's the right fit for the New Orleans Saints, and I think the New Orleans Saints are the right fit for him."

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Analytical was the first word Wilson used to describe Davenport's personality. He gets that from his father, who served nine years in the Air Force and now works as an information technology contractor there.

Davenport graduated early from UTSA, receiving his bachelor's degree in multidisciplinary studies in December. He fulfilled a promise he made to his father to get his degree before focusing on the NFL.

"If you know my son, he doesn't specialize in just one thing," Ron Davenport said. "He likes all different fields."

Davenport's analytical nature showed during the past two seasons on the field, too. Wilson, whose staff took over in 2016, said Davenport had the freedom to rush from either a three- or two-point stance.

Even though Davenport worked from the three-point stance in his first two years, he primarily stood up as a junior and senior because he thought it kept offensive linemen guessing. The adjustments worked for Davenport as he improved his sack total each year in college, including posting 61/2 as a junior and 81/2 as a senior.

With the Saints, Davenport likely will play with his hand down, but coach Sean Payton said his staff will determine the best way to utilize Davenport once he arrives.

Wilson also described Davenport as smart, diligent, tough and someone who pays attention to detail. Davenport, meanwhile, described himself as calm and methodical.

Leading up to games, Wilson thinks Davenport's ability to break down film will help him learn the strengths and weaknesses of his opponents in order to find an edge.

"He will know that opponent inside out, and he will find an advantage," Wilson said.

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Re: Saints' Marcus Davenport 'doesn't specialize in just one thing'
 

"He will know that opponent inside out, and he will find an advantage," Wilson said. Hope he lives up to the hype.

Re: Saints' Marcus Davenport 'doesn't specialize in just one thing'
 

He will never live up to some people's expectations. He could be the 2nd coming of Dwight Freeney and somebody will still tie those 3 picks to him.

Re: Saints' Marcus Davenport 'doesn't specialize in just one thing'
 

Saints have the right pieces in place around Marcus to succeed. We have the right D line coach to work with, Cam J will teach as well.

The drafting of Marcus reminds me a bit of how Aldon Smith came into the league w/the Niners. They had a guy in front of him (Parys Harelson), & he came in on 3rd downs & rushed the passer. They taught him how to play the OLB position, set the edge/run & allowed him to work on the pass rush.

I see this happening with Marcus in New Orleans. He'll develop his technique as well. He has that ability to change the game ... watch him make tackles (athleticism) pay. I'm definitely happy with the pick.

Re: Saints' Marcus Davenport 'doesn't specialize in just one thing'
 

I agree. The price was steep but considering our roster this is what we needed. Our staff has done so well in the last few drafts we might be talented enough to be fine without our 1st round pick. We will be better off cap wise also so we might have to spend a little extra on a top free agent to make up for it,

Re: Saints' Marcus Davenport 'doesn't specialize in just one thing'
 

We’ve never had a defensive end with this kind of potential. 4.5? Yeah...it’s go time.

Re: Saints' Marcus Davenport 'doesn't specialize in just one thing'
 

He may beat Chubb in production this year. Being compared to Demacus Ware means something, no?

Re: Saints' Marcus Davenport 'doesn't specialize in just one thing'
 

I am extremely excited about Davenport and how he can really solidify this defense. Demario Davis and Davenport will be two huge additions to a very yound defense that has been improving by leaps and bounds. As good as the Saints offense can be I believe it will be the defense that leads the way.

19-0 Baby!

:bng:

Re: Saints' Marcus Davenport 'doesn't specialize in just one thing'
 

Yes! Yes! Tee Hee! Tee Hee! :roflmao:

Re: Saints' Marcus Davenport 'doesn't specialize in just one thing'
 

I heard someone on Golic and Wingo I believe it was Kiper say that he wouldn't be surprised if Davenport wins defensive rookie of the year. If that is the case he will be well worth the pick.

Re: Saints' Marcus Davenport 'doesn't specialize in just one thing'
 

A project we gave up a first round pick for doesn’t have me completely decided. For that trade you need someone who can come in and make an immediate impact. Don’t gamble with a 15th overall pick and especially one you traded to get to that slot.
Hope I’m wrong.

Re: Saints' Marcus Davenport 'doesn't specialize in just one thing'
 

What makes you think Davenport can't come in and make an immediate impact? Where did you get the idea he was some sort of project? Some clueless media hack? Sure he has a lot more to learn and that just means he'll continue to get better and better, but he has the athleticism to make an impact on day one ... especially given the opportunity to work with Coach Neilsen.

Oh, and no need to hope ... you are wrong.

Re: Saints' Marcus Davenport 'doesn't specialize in just one thing'
 

Here is a straight forward, unbiased analysis on moving up to get Davenport.

Re: Saints' Marcus Davenport 'doesn't specialize in just one thing'
 

This has been my take all along and it makes perfect sense. Also factor in that we are returning 22 starters from last season's team that was one fluke play away from playing to go to another Super Bowl. If Davenport pans out as expected we would likely only be looking to fill out some backup slot with a late first rounder next year. Why not use it to pick up a stud starter this year instead?

Re: Saints' Marcus Davenport 'doesn't specialize in just one thing'
 

I hadn’t really thought about it until now, but Davenport has some VERY favorable matchups to start the season:

Buccaneers- LT Donovan Smith= Hot garbage

Browns- LT Shon Coleman= Is that who’s playing LT for them now? I don’t even know but it’s favorable for Davenport.

Re: Saints' Marcus Davenport 'doesn't specialize in just one thing'
 

Game 1 starter?

Re: Saints' Marcus Davenport 'doesn't specialize in just one thing'
 

I am calling it now...

1st defensive passing play of the regular season

Davenport gets a sack.

Re: Saints' Marcus Davenport 'doesn't specialize in just one thing'
 

I'll bet he is. My money says Ryan Neilsen really lobbied to get Davenport. He coached Bradley Chubb and the other three defensive linemen that were drafted this year at NC State so he knows talent and knows how to coach it up. He's going to want to start using his new toy right away, much like Payton did with Kamara.

Re: Saints' Marcus Davenport 'doesn't specialize in just one thing'
 

It wouldn't surprise me one bit.

Re: Saints' Marcus Davenport 'doesn't specialize in just one thing'
 

Re: Saints' Marcus Davenport 'doesn't specialize in just one thing'
 

Agree. If we win the Super Bowl, MD wins or in the running for DROY, and eventually he turns into a Pro Bowler, it won't matter at all about our traded 2019 1st round pick. He's gonna be a good player, especially across from Cam with Rankins in the middle. Physically he's a monster. Elite monster. He has a great motor, too. But for the pros there's also the cons.

Maybe it was the D system ran at UTSA, but he looked lost at times & lesser size blockers (TEs & OTs) were able to win 1-on-1 match-ups. Once he found the ball he was hell-on-wheels, though. But that just made him that much further behind the play. That extra step or 2 is the difference between 1-2 yd gains & 7-8 yd gains.

Those things can be coached up thankfully, and I'm sure our tape sessions are a bit better than UTSA's. I'm still prepared to see some deer-in-headlights moments from MD this year. It'll help with Okafor, Hendrickson (who is gonna shock some folks this year), and Muhammad giving him competition opposite Cam. I'm conservative by nature, so I'd have never made the pick...but I haven't been hired lately as a GM either.

Re: Saints' Marcus Davenport 'doesn't specialize in just one thing'
 

Knowing that we have Coach Nielsen now, I feel confident he'll polish Marcus up quickly.

Side note - did you see that post by 76 on Nielsen & his former college
(NC State) D lineman getting drafted in 2018?

Chubb (DE) - 1st rd
BJ Hill (DE)- 3rd rd
Jones (DT) - 3rd rd
Street (DE) - 4th rd

Ryan Nielsen is a hell of a D line coach & a big reason why they were drafted. We are lucky to have him in New Orleans.

Re: Saints' Marcus Davenport 'doesn't specialize in just one thing'
 

Good points Barry! My takeaway from watching some game tape is that he plays too high and gets stood up pretty easily. I’m hoping that playing with his hand in the dirt instead of standing up will help with that. Also, it seems like he only uses a bull-rush and doesn’t really have any other moves.

It’ll be fun to see what a summer of working with Cam Jordan, Ryan Nielsen and Brian Young (Pass Rush Specialist Coach) does for Davenport!

Re: Saints' Marcus Davenport 'doesn't specialize in just one thing'
 

After a while I had a chance to let my steam out I am having a little hope from this nightmare of a draft. Although I am skeptical on the value for drafting Davenport I do see the potential of him becoming a elite player.

After what I believe to be a BIG gamble with the 1st rd pick, the air was almost out when drafting Trequan. I seen other DE prospect that could've been pick but by picking Davenport I knew we had to look at offense but I was hoping for Parry Nickerson realistically thinking they would go for Ronnie Harrison. I am still skeptical on V Bell play cause he sometimes look lost in coverages and with his communication with the other db's. However, seeing highlights on Trequan I can see why he was picked

Before Natrell Jamerson was picked all the air was out and I ruled this draft a failure. I truly believe this prospect could turnout to be a steal. Three top corners and with Chris Banjo, Justin Hardee & Arthur Maulet the competition to make ST will be a challenge. V Bell might safe from this pick since the saints value him as a corner

Boston Scott could be a depth prospect to packages for Kamara. Nice insurance to have

The other prospects I'll just wait to see what Ireland, Loomis, and Payton believe are worthy to be a saint

Re: Saints' Marcus Davenport 'doesn't specialize in just one thing'
 

Before it is all said and done Davenport will be a stud and the cost will be forgotten.

Re: Saints' Marcus Davenport 'doesn't specialize in just one thing'
 

When you're limited to needs in only a few areas, the cost'll usually be a bit higher. It's rare the ones you really want will fall into your lap like Lattimore did. There are always ways of picking up a draft spot when you need it.

Re: Saints' Marcus Davenport 'doesn't specialize in just one thing'
 

Mattt is already wearing brown pants so the stain won’t show through.

Re: Saints' Marcus Davenport 'doesn't specialize in just one thing'
 

Honestly the 2019 pick should be a very late 1st round pick. I would think it would be almost impossible to draft a player of MD's talent that late in the draft.

Re: Saints' Marcus Davenport 'doesn't specialize in just one thing'
 

Saint's have had two late rd picks in Ramzcek and Anthony would you deal a #27 and either of these players for another Cam Jordan I would

Re: Saints' Marcus Davenport 'doesn't specialize in just one thing'