Kiper & McShay pick first-round sleepers for the 2020 NFL draft

[ericsaid]

Akeem Davis-Gaither getting some love from McShay and Kiper. Is listed under the subheader "Under-the-Radar Prospects to Know" for Day 2 or Day 3 picks

This is on ESPN + so I'll quote the portion describing Akeem Davis-Gaither.

"Davis-Gaither is undersized (6-2, 215), but he's an instinctive and rangy outside linebacker with good stopping power. He's got the athletic ability to match up in coverage and the skill set to develop into a core special-teams player. So far this season, Davis-Gaither has 32 tackles and a pair of sacks. And he was instrumental in the Mountaineers' win over North Carolina, recording eight tackles, a blocked kick and an interception. He's a midround pick whose size could hold him back a bit -- though he's listed at 215, NFL scouts estimate he is closer to 205"


Kiper & McShay pick first-round sleepers for the 2020 NFL Draft

[EastHallApp]

Glad to see he's getting noticed. I wonder if he might project as a safety in the pros? Or if they think they could bulk him up more without sacrificing too much speed.

[NavyApp]

I see him as a Shaq Thompson/Deone Bucannon hybrid LB. His cover ability and range should make him very valuable to the league. We all know if someone gives him a shot he will make the plays!

[AppStFan1]

Glad to see he's getting noticed. I wonder if he might project as a safety in the pros? Or if they think they could bulk him up more without sacrificing too much speed.

My friend who sent me pro day results said that some have Gaither as a safety but some also have him at linebacker. In today's NFL linebackers are often smaller than ideal because of the pass happy offenses.

I always thought he was a good player but he is a tweener. Some will see him as a S and others as a LB. He is definitely going to end up in the Senior Bowl and NFL Combine my friend told me. Gaither should get drafted for sure unless he has an injury like Moore did.

It will be interesting to see what Akeem is measured at since he looks more like 6'1 210 or 205 than what he is listed at. Hopefully he comes in at 6'2 225 instead of what they think he may.

[ericsaid]

Glad to see he's getting noticed. I wonder if he might project as a safety in the pros? Or if they think they could bulk him up more without sacrificing too much speed.

My friend who sent me pro day results said that some have Gaither as a safety but some also have him at linebacker. In today's NFL linebackers are often smaller than ideal because of the pass happy offenses.

I always thought he was a good player but he is a tweener. Some will see him as a S and others as a LB. He is definitely going to end up in the Senior Bowl and NFL Combine my friend told me. Gaither should get drafted for sure unless he has an injury like Moore did.

It will be interesting to see what Akeem is measured at since he looks more like 6'1 210 or 205 than what he is listed at. Hopefully he comes in at 6'2 225 instead of what they think he may.

It will depend on his December to April work. I think he can bulk up the lower half of his body and get to 225 before the Pro Day and possible combine. If he's being acknowledged as a Day 2 or 3 pick he probably gets a combine invite. If he can still run a 4.6 40 at 225-230 pounds and being 6'1 (doubt that he's 6'2), and can show off short area quickness and strength on the bench, he should solidify a draft spot.

Doubt he's a safety though. Most likely a hybrid player used in Big Nickel packages.

[Mjohn1988]

If Evans keeps it up he may go early

[ericsaid]

If Evans keeps it up he may go early

I would think he's picked up as a receiver and/or third down back. Doesn't have the body type to be a run between the tackles guy at that level.

[Yosef10]

If Evans keeps it up he may go early

I would think he's picked up as a receiver and/or third down back. Doesn't have the body type to be a run between the tackles guy at that level.

Not comparing the two other than size, but people said the exact same thing when McCafferey came out at 5’11 202lbs. Evans listed at 5’11 201 lbs. He’s shown the ability to run between the tackles just fine IMO.

[NavyApp]

If Evans keeps it up he may go early

I would think he's picked up as a receiver and/or third down back. Doesn't have the body type to be a run between the tackles guy at that level.

I feel the same way, very much like Curtis Samuel. I personally think he will make his name known as a return man first (he is so special in that facet) but then becomes a home run threat as a wr. His acceleration and top end speed are rare as is his field vision.

On another note he has a shot a KRich's single season rushing TD record of 30(current pace is 27). This young man is special and I swear every single time we need that momentum swing there he is and he has delivered since his freshman year.

[appstatealum]

Glad to see he's getting noticed. I wonder if he might project as a safety in the pros? Or if they think they could bulk him up more without sacrificing too much speed.

My friend who sent me pro day results said that some have Gaither as a safety but some also have him at linebacker. In today's NFL linebackers are often smaller than ideal because of the pass happy offenses.

I always thought he was a good player but he is a tweener. Some will see him as a S and others as a LB. He is definitely going to end up in the Senior Bowl and NFL Combine my friend told me. Gaither should get drafted for sure unless he has an injury like Moore did.

It will be interesting to see what Akeem is measured at since he looks more like 6'1 210 or 205 than what he is listed at. Hopefully he comes in at 6'2 225 instead of what they think he may.

Akeem is definitely 6’2 and he is a bit thin. He is cut up, but if I were looking for ideal LB size, he doesn’t have it. His instincts are phenomenal and he is extremely mature for his age (has a little girl and runs his own business). He can definitely add more weight to his frame, so that may be his plan based on what scouts tell him when he decides to come out.

Evans is a skill player. He added more weight in the offseason, but I think he is pretty maxed out where he is now for his frame. He should get heavy looks based on his skillset.

[Mjohn1988]

If Evans keeps it up he may go early

I would think he's picked up as a receiver and/or third down back. Doesn't have the body type to be a run between the tackles guy at that level.

It amazes me that this guy still doesn’t have the respect he deserves. He flat out gets it done!!!!

[ericsaid]

Glad to see he's getting noticed. I wonder if he might project as a safety in the pros? Or if they think they could bulk him up more without sacrificing too much speed.

My friend who sent me pro day results said that some have Gaither as a safety but some also have him at linebacker. In today's NFL linebackers are often smaller than ideal because of the pass happy offenses.

I always thought he was a good player but he is a tweener. Some will see him as a S and others as a LB. He is definitely going to end up in the Senior Bowl and NFL Combine my friend told me. Gaither should get drafted for sure unless he has an injury like Moore did.

It will be interesting to see what Akeem is measured at since he looks more like 6'1 210 or 205 than what he is listed at. Hopefully he comes in at 6'2 225 instead of what they think he may.

Akeem is definitely 6’2 and he is a bit thin. He is cut up, but if I were looking for ideal LB size, he doesn’t have it. His instincts are phenomenal and he is extremely mature for his age (has a little girl and runs his own business). He can definitely add more weight to his frame, so that may be his plan based on what scouts tell him when he decides to come out.

Evans is a skill player. He added more weight in the offseason, but I think he is pretty maxed out where he is now for his frame. He should get heavy looks based on his skillset.

Evans reminds me a bit of McCaffrey in that he will be able to be moved around quite a bit to find his ideal place. I believe his money will be made where he can get into space, make one cut and go. I'd like to see him in New England with Brady. I believe he could play that slot role that Edelman occupies now and that Brady loves perfectly. He can take those inside-out routes, make one cut and go from that position as well as beat his guy over the middle. Will take time for him to work on the nuances of the position though. Luckily we have a coaching staff in place that should be able to help guys in the offseason (guys with NFL experience).

As for Akeem, I just usually see App's measurements as being an inch to two inches off of what is recorded when these guys get NFL measurements. If he is 6'2, can bulk up his lower half without sacrificing speed or agility, and remain strong up top he should be able to solidify his status as a draft prospect. However, the draft is all about the market. If there is no market for him, he will be a PFA.

There will be a market for Evans once his 40 is officially clocked and measurements are taken though. I expect his stock to rise until draft day once the evaluation period really starts.

[ericsaid]

If Evans keeps it up he may go early

I would think he's picked up as a receiver and/or third down back. Doesn't have the body type to be a run between the tackles guy at that level.

It amazes me that this guy still doesn’t have the respect he deserves. He flat out gets it done!!!!

He is a great running back for this level of football. But some of those runs you see up the middle, like against UNC, will be what it's like in the NFL. This offense is more Pro Style which will help every offensive player in NFL evaluations. However, Evans is a proven one cut and go type of guy. He just doesn't have that lower body and power behind the pads that being a 3 down back in the NFL requires. His speed, attitude, and overall build should allow him to make a relatively seamless transition in the NFL to a slot receiver, 3rd down back type role.

He may work well in Kingsbury's offense as well. They will be scooping up receivers like it's no ones business next offseason.

[ericsaid]

If Evans keeps it up he may go early

I would think he's picked up as a receiver and/or third down back. Doesn't have the body type to be a run between the tackles guy at that level.

Not comparing the two other than size, but people said the exact same thing when McCafferey came out at 5’11 202lbs. Evans listed at 5’11 201 lbs. He’s shown the ability to run between the tackles just fine IMO.

Could be. The biggest difference, in my opinion, is the skill and vision that CMC showed. Evans is a quality back but he isn't Christian McCaffrey. CMC has more contact balance than any other NFL running back not named Alvin Kamara and even then it's a push. Perhaps Evans comparison is better applied to Kamara, who is less shifty but has the ability to bounce off of would be tacklers and make guys miss given enough space to operate.

[EastHallApp]

If Evans keeps it up he may go early

I would think he's picked up as a receiver and/or third down back. Doesn't have the body type to be a run between the tackles guy at that level.

Not comparing the two other than size, but people said the exact same thing when McCafferey came out at 5’11 202lbs. Evans listed at 5’11 201 lbs. He’s shown the ability to run between the tackles just fine IMO.

Could be. The biggest difference, in my opinion, is the skill and vision that CMC showed. Evans is a quality back but he isn't Christian McCaffrey. CMC has more contact balance than any other NFL running back not named Alvin Kamara and even then it's a push. Perhaps Evans comparison is better applied to Kamara, who is less shifty but has the ability to bounce off of would be tacklers and make guys miss given enough space to operate.

That said, we're comparing him with a guy who was a top 10 pick and is an MVP candidate. (And Kamara is obviously one of the better backs in the league too.) I don't know how Evans projects at the next level, but even as a poor-man's version of those guys, he could get drafted, make a roster and play for many years.

[BeauFoster]

I feel like Evans is cut from a similar mold as Travaris Cadet, only with more upside. TC had several very productive years in the NFL. Much will depend on him going to a team that can use his skillset. He isn't going to be a consensus #1 pick, but if the right staff gets hold of him, he will have the opportunity to have a solid career.

[appstatealum]

Glad to see he's getting noticed. I wonder if he might project as a safety in the pros? Or if they think they could bulk him up more without sacrificing too much speed.

My friend who sent me pro day results said that some have Gaither as a safety but some also have him at linebacker. In today's NFL linebackers are often smaller than ideal because of the pass happy offenses.

I always thought he was a good player but he is a tweener. Some will see him as a S and others as a LB. He is definitely going to end up in the Senior Bowl and NFL Combine my friend told me. Gaither should get drafted for sure unless he has an injury like Moore did.

It will be interesting to see what Akeem is measured at since he looks more like 6'1 210 or 205 than what he is listed at. Hopefully he comes in at 6'2 225 instead of what they think he may.

Akeem is definitely 6’2 and he is a bit thin. He is cut up, but if I were looking for ideal LB size, he doesn’t have it. His instincts are phenomenal and he is extremely mature for his age (has a little girl and runs his own business). He can definitely add more weight to his frame, so that may be his plan based on what scouts tell him when he decides to come out.

Evans is a skill player. He added more weight in the offseason, but I think he is pretty maxed out where he is now for his frame. He should get heavy looks based on his skillset.

Evans reminds me a bit of McCaffrey in that he will be able to be moved around quite a bit to find his ideal place. I believe his money will be made where he can get into space, make one cut and go. I'd like to see him in New England with Brady. I believe he could play that slot role that Edelman occupies now and that Brady loves perfectly. He can take those inside-out routes, make one cut and go from that position as well as beat his guy over the middle. Will take time for him to work on the nuances of the position though. Luckily we have a coaching staff in place that should be able to help guys in the offseason (guys with NFL experience).

As for Akeem, I just usually see App's measurements as being an inch to two inches off of what is recorded when these guys get NFL measurements. If he is 6'2, can bulk up his lower half without sacrificing speed or agility, and remain strong up top he should be able to solidify his status as a draft prospect. However, the draft is all about the market. If there is no market for him, he will be a PFA.

There will be a market for Evans once his 40 is officially clocked and measurements are taken though. I expect his stock to rise until draft day once the evaluation period really starts.

I’m every bit of 6’3 and Akeem is slightly shorter than me, I’m basing it off of me standing with him in person.

Evans is no McCaffrey. McCaffrey is a once in a few decades type of back. The weight that he added in muscle etc this offseason is absurd. Kamara is another generational type of guy. Hard to compare anyone to them. Evans May have a James White type of skill set.

[Mjohn1988]

Glad to see he's getting noticed. I wonder if he might project as a safety in the pros? Or if they think they could bulk him up more without sacrificing too much speed.

My friend who sent me pro day results said that some have Gaither as a safety but some also have him at linebacker. In today's NFL linebackers are often smaller than ideal because of the pass happy offenses.

I always thought he was a good player but he is a tweener. Some will see him as a S and others as a LB. He is definitely going to end up in the Senior Bowl and NFL Combine my friend told me. Gaither should get drafted for sure unless he has an injury like Moore did.

It will be interesting to see what Akeem is measured at since he looks more like 6'1 210 or 205 than what he is listed at. Hopefully he comes in at 6'2 225 instead of what they think he may.

Akeem is definitely 6’2 and he is a bit thin. He is cut up, but if I were looking for ideal LB size, he doesn’t have it. His instincts are phenomenal and he is extremely mature for his age (has a little girl and runs his own business). He can definitely add more weight to his frame, so that may be his plan based on what scouts tell him when he decides to come out.

Evans is a skill player. He added more weight in the offseason, but I think he is pretty maxed out where he is now for his frame. He should get heavy looks based on his skillset.

Evans reminds me a bit of McCaffrey in that he will be able to be moved around quite a bit to find his ideal place. I believe his money will be made where he can get into space, make one cut and go. I'd like to see him in New England with Brady. I believe he could play that slot role that Edelman occupies now and that Brady loves perfectly. He can take those inside-out routes, make one cut and go from that position as well as beat his guy over the middle. Will take time for him to work on the nuances of the position though. Luckily we have a coaching staff in place that should be able to help guys in the offseason (guys with NFL experience).

As for Akeem, I just usually see App's measurements as being an inch to two inches off of what is recorded when these guys get NFL measurements. If he is 6'2, can bulk up his lower half without sacrificing speed or agility, and remain strong up top he should be able to solidify his status as a draft prospect. However, the draft is all about the market. If there is no market for him, he will be a PFA.

There will be a market for Evans once his 40 is officially clocked and measurements are taken though. I expect his stock to rise until draft day once the evaluation period really starts.

I’m every bit of 6’3 and Akeem is slightly shorter than me, I’m basing it off of me standing with him in person.

Evans is no McCaffrey. McCaffrey is a once in a few decades type of back. The weight that he added in muscle etc this offseason is absurd. Kamara is another generational type of guy. Hard to compare anyone to them. Evans May have a James White type of skill set.

I never said he was McCaffrey. Still amazed at how much this guy has done and how little respect he gets. He is doing it all, up the gut, around the edge, running back kicks. Big play after big play.

[appstatealum]

Yeah, Evans has carved out a nice niche for himself by making himself dangerous in multiple facets of the game. I'd love to see what kind of weight he could add to his frame in preperation for the NFL.

[bigdaddyg]

Do all of you guys expect Evans to leave after this year? If I am not mistaken he is still just a Junior. The 2020 draft is for existing Seniors and guys who will leave early. What am I missing?