No. 12 in a series analyizing potential selections for the Raiders, who pick No. 8 Thursday in the NFL draft:
College: Rutgers
Position: Offensive tackle
Height, weight: 6-5, 323
Why it’s Davis: Has great feet and agility to go with his size. Story similar to former Stanford tackle Bob Whitfield _ a nationally renowned high school recruit who opted for Rutgers in a surprise and became a very good player. Only 20 years old, Davis may have more “upside” than any tackle in the draft and unlike Bruce Campbell, has some actual production to go along with great feet and agility required to be a left tackle. He’s been a starter since midway through his freshman season and considering his age, 20, may have the bet upside of any tackle in the draft.
Why it’s not Davis: Work ethic and attention to detail was criticized at times, as Davis was able to coast on his natural ability. Weighed 366 pounds upon entering Rutgers but slimmed down to 315, temporarily losing his starting job as a sophomore because of weight gain. Had 21 bench press reps at 225 pounds _ 17 less than projected top five pick Russell Okung _ indicating he needs more upper body strength. With Tom Cable saying the goal is to get a starter with the top pick, No. 8 may be too high for Davis. He becomes a better option if the Raiders trade down in the round.
Quotable: “My athleticism helps me get out of a lot of situations. If I step the wrong way it helps me get back into position.”
Draft prospect: Anthony Davis - Inside the Oakland Raiders - A look inside the world of the highly classified Oakland Raiders from the writers of Bay Area News Group
