2017 NFL Draft Daily Chicago Bears Target: Bucknell OT Julie’n Davenport
Continuing our series on possible Chicago Bears targets in the 2017 NFL Draft, we profile Bucknell offensive tackle Julie’n Davenport.
We continue to look at possible Chicago Bears targets in the 2017 NFL Draft. Today, we profile Bucknell offensive tackle Julie’n Davenport.
The Bears need some depth at the edges of the offensive line. While their interior is probably one of the best in the league, Charles Leno and Bobby Massie are average linemen at best. Even though the team decided to keep them and not make major free agent signings on the unit, they still need depth. If Leno or Massie struggle during the season, there needs to be a solid backup plan in order. As we’ve seen with the injuries the Bears suffered through last season, depth is crucial.
At 6-foot-7 and 318 pounds, Davenport is a monster on the edge. In addition to his elite height and weight, he has huge 10.5-inch hands, and long arms at 36.5 inches. Once he gets those mitts on a pass rusher and extends his arms, he stops that defender in his track. He is athletic enough to pull and get across quickly.
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Among scouts, Davenport has a love/hate relationship. There are some who see him as a top-100 prospect, while others don’t see him going until Day Three of the draft. He depended too much on his physical abilities against inferior competition, and he has raw skills. He did perform well during the Senior Bowl week. Additionally, he played on the North squad coached by John Fox and his coaching staff, so they got a very good look at him.
The speed and physicality of the NFL may give him fits early on. Once he has his feet on solid ground and he fixes his technique, Davenport
Once he has his feet on solid ground and he fixes his technique, Davenport has the ability to be a long-term starter, especially at left tackle. Whoever the quarterback is will love having his blind side protected by Davenport.
Going to Chicago would be great for both him and the Bears. He won’t need to step in right away and perform. He can play in a rotation, and next season he could take over the position. The Bears have athletic linemen on the interior line so adding an athletic edge lineman is just a natural progression.
Drafting Davenport would be a good move for the Chicago Bears. He adds size and athleticism to the tackle position. He’d fit in perfectly with the young, athletic members of the line already in place.