Akeem Davis-Gaither, LB, Appalachian State

[bodi]

https://thedraftnetwork.com/articles/nfl-combine-sleepers-2020

Akeem Davis-Gaither has the physical profile of a safety, more so than an off-ball linebacker, after measuring in at just 6-foot-1 and 219 pounds during the Senior Bowl. His Appalachian State film at linebacker is incredible though. He is a blur moving from sideline to sideline with his range and short-area quickness. In coverage, he has the potential to be a legitimate difference maker at the next level, especially with how much NFL defenses are moving to a base nickel. That ability to impact the passing game is why Davis-Gaither’s name has popped up in the second round of multiple mock drafts this month, but if he’s going to be this undersized as a sub-220 linebacker, he must test well in Indianapolis. I fully expect him to run fast and look fluid in the drills, but if I’m wrong, the combination of being undersized and poor athletic testing could tumble him to the middle of Day 3.

 

[Carson]

I love his game. Kid is small, but plays big. Hits, not afraid of contact and will pop you in the mouth.

Only issue I have is his weight. Will pack on 15-20 pounds in the NFL.

Another glaring hole I’ve been reading on him is that his inexperience to the LB position shows as he will attempt to use his athleticism to run around blocks at times, rather than stacking, shedding and maintaining his gap integrity. We had too much of that last year! You won’t find a perfect player at that point in the draft. But he has tools you cannot teach and can learn a lot under our coaches.

Being able to cover helps his chances of making a 53.

 

[cowboyec]

jeff cavanaugh loves this guy.
didnt see any of his games but from what ive read about him....i like.

 

[Future]

Late-round flyer maybe. He's not a real LB.