Saints rookie Marcus Davenport testing himself against the best
 

Just because the New Orleans Saints paid a pretty penny to get him on their roster does not mean 2018 first-round pick Marcus Davenport gets a pass from the typical NFL rookie orientation.

Saturday (July 28), that meant Davenport carried the helmets and shoulder pads that belonged to his teammates across the practice field when practice ended. It also included a few bouts of getting his tail whipped by five-year NFL veteran Terron Armstead.

Davenport took both in stride, but especially the times he was stonewalled by the Saints' left tackle. He called it frustrating, likening it to his freshman year at UT-San Antonio, but it is also a sort of trial by fire that can help him improve in a hurry.

"I just like going against the best," Davenport said. "I like going against Terron, even though I lose. I get thrown around, but hey, I'm working. I think that's something that's actually worth it to me. I know when I can beat him consistently, I'm going to be ready."

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Adding another pass rusher opposite all-pro defensive end Cam Jordan was identified by coach Sean Payton as an organizational must this offseason, and the Saints traded away next year's first round pick in order to move up and select Davenport with the 14th overall pick this past April.

Davenport looks the part, with an athletic 6-foot-6, 265-pound frame. Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen said Davenport's goal between OTAs and training camp was to get stronger, particularly in the lower body.

The rookie defensive end mocked himself, saying "sadly, it don't show," before declaring that he believed he accomplished the goal.

"I think I've gotten stronger," Davenport said. "I've also gotten bigger, maybe a little bit faster. I just need to translate it."

Part of translating the increased strength on the field is ironing out his technique and his role in the Saints' defensive system. He is focused on the finer points of playing the position, using his long arms to get extension from blocks and "disengaging more violently."

As Payton said, there is "not one specific thing" Davenport needs to nail down before he can truly take flight in the league.


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