While most fans have tuned out by the time the sixth round of the NFL Draft rolls around, franchises are searching for diamonds in the rough. The New York Giants may have found one in offensive tackle JC Davis.
Davis is raw as a player and may need time to develop before taking on a role, but he has the tools to be a quality NFL tackle. Former Giants center Shaun O'Hara sees the vision. On an episode of "Inside the Film Room," he broke down the rookie's collegiate tape and came away impressed.
O'Hara said, "83-inch wing span. That's three inches longer than Sisi Mauigoa's long arms. When you are a tackle that has go-go-gadget arms like that, that is absolutely a weapon."
Giants' rookie OT JC Davis is already looking like a draft steal
The Giants haven't had much success in the later rounds of the draft in recent years. While many franchises can rely on finding a late-round gem at least once every few years, New York has received almost no contributions from its final picks.
Davis could be the one to reverse that trend. He meets all of the physical thresholds for capable NFL tackle play. His arm length, wing span, and hand span are all above average for his position. He isn't the most explosive athlete, but he knows how to use his power to displace opposing defensive linemen.
Of course, he wouldn't have fallen to the sixth round if he were already a starting-caliber tackle. Davis has plenty of holes in his game, including inconsistent leverage and unrefined footwork. But those problems can be fixed with NFL coaching. The rookie's physical traits can't be taught.
But O'Hara was encouraged by the rookie's physicality in college. He said, "I love JC's demeanor. He's always trying to finish plays."
Davis will likely start the season as the Giants' backup left tackle. He won't have any chance to start over Andrew Thomas, but he may be called into the starting lineup if the former All-Pro misses time throughout the season. Thomas has missed 27 games with various injuries throughout his six-year NFL career, so it wouldn't be shocking to see Davis get an opportunity to play this season.
Offensive line coach Mike Bloomgren has some work to do to mold Davis into a capable NFL left tackle. But if the rookie can put the pieces together, he could be the Giants' best late-round pick in years.
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