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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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Thirty3

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

Danno

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.

K Major

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.

darksoul35

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,

rezburna

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

SmashMouth

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

AsylumGuido

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!

Rugby Saint II

Yes! Yes! Tee Hee! Tee Hee!

darksoul35

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.