Why you should be excited about second-round pick Sean Davis:
View photos of Pittsburgh Steelers 2016 2nd Round Draft Pick, S Sean Davis.
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- He played cornerback last season at Maryland but started at safety the previous two seasons. The Steelers will play him at strong safety initially but anticipate Davis being able to eventually handle both safety positions and play at cornerback if the need arises.
- Davis finished his four-season career at Maryland with 318 tackles, including 298 in his three seasons as a starter. Scouts and evaluators have described him as having the play-strength to finish a ballcarrier once contact has been made. Davis' five forced fumbles in 2015 led the nation among defensive backs and support that contention.
- Davis had six passes defensed and three interceptions last season and 19 passes defensed and five INTs during his Maryland tenure. Those numbers verify that Davis has ball skills in addition to being a sure and punishing tackler.
- Davis was a subject of speculation at the combine as to whether he'd wind up at cornerback or safety in the NFL. "You're very draft-able when you can play both," NFL Network analyst Deion Sanders said. "I think he's a safety." Added NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock: "Me, too, he tackles; tough guy."
- Davis impressed the Steelers with his measurables in Indianapolis as well as his on-field production on tape. At 6-foot-1 and 201 pounds he bench pressed 225 pounds 21 times and registered a broad jump of 10 feet, six inches, the best numbers posted among defensive backs in both categories at the combine. He also has a wingspan of 761/4 inches.
- Davis speaks English, French and Chinese, which suggests he ought to be able to pick up the defense.
- Davis' athleticism and physical skill set suggest he'll be a fit in an NFL defensive backfield based on the way the game is evolving. "You need to have a cover-safety," Steelers defensive backs coach Carnell Lake said. "It's absolutely essential."
