Ray Davis 2024 NFL Draft Profile
It’s Ray Davis time for the 2024 NFL Draft Profile series. We’re here to talk about everything in regard to the former Kentucky running back. Let’s get to the point and chat about what you need to know.
The transfer portal is a hot topic in college football. Well, Davis is no stranger to it and it wasn’t just a one-time thing. Davis spent his first two years at Temple, his next two years at Vanderbilt, and then finished up his 5th season with the Wildcats.
You have to like the fact that Davis has been a contributor for so long. No matter where he was, Davis became an instant contributor. He also comes from a tough life. Both parents are incarcerated. Grew up in a Foster home. The way he runs reflects that background. Has an edge to his game. Brings a hammer when he runs. Former three star recruit and considered an slightly above average talent coming out of Blair Academy.
Davis ended his collegiate career with a bang. At Kentucky, he put together a stat line of 1,129 rushing yards on 199 attempts (5.7 average) and 14 touchdowns. A lot of that chunk came in the game against Florida. Might win the award for the most insane running back performance by any player all season. That was covered here in the stock report notes. On the flip side, he was terrible against Alabama but also consider who is on the field in that one with Kentucky’s supporting cast. Just two games covered in the stock notes that cover both sides of the spectrum.
I’ll say this too. For a bigger back, he’s a really good pass catcher. Was so impressed with how naturally he caught the ball at the Combine. The numbers started to reflect that during his last year at Kentucky. Seven receiving touchdowns is no joke (also added 33 receptions for 323 yards). Especially at Kentucky when your quarterback Devin Leary blows.
Speaking of the Combine, the measurements came back with 5-foot-8 and 211. No bench press number but arguably the biggest concern was eased. What was the raw speed going to be? A 4.52 time on the 40 is more than good enough. My worry is that he’s Ke’Shawn Vaughn reincarnated. Really average foot speed. Doesn’t always have the best eye level trusting his feet where to go.
How far does toughness take you? That will be a big question with Davis because he has that in spades. Really good at falling forward for extra yardage. There is some nuance to his game beyond that. Isn’t a total spaz and can kinda set up defenders where he wants to go. More reactive than mind reader but has pace to his game and can break more than his fair share of tackles. Definitely more on the side of an efficient runner. Doesn’t screw around too much but is willing to bounce outside. Often times it’s not a good idea for who he is. Has power but it might be a bit overstated compared to how he’s portrayed.
I think this is a good player. Out of all of the backs in the SEC, it was Davis who won first team. I’m just not sure he’s an elite player. That I do not see. More on the side of a high-floor but low-ceiling type of guy. I’d be willing to take Davis in the 6th round as a depth player who becomes more in the second half of the rookie contract. Someone who can serve on all three downs and will be trusted in pass protection down the line.
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