There’s arguably no better model of what it takes to succeed in the National Football League than Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett. In five years, Jarrett has gone from a fifth-round pick to an All-Pro player, anchoring the team’s defensive line with his freakish strength.
Atlanta added another talented lineman in the second round of the 2020 draft, selecting versatile Auburn DL Marlon Davidson. Unlike the team’s first-round pick, CB A.J. Terrell, Davidson can be eased into his role this season. Jarrett is only a year into a four-year extension, and the Falcons re-signed DT Tyeler Davison during the offseason. So Davidson doesn’t need to start right away.
The rookie is wisely using this time to soak up as much knowledge as possible, saying he’s been pestering Jarrett at practice like a “gnat at a barbecue.”
.@marlondavidson7 is out here like a gnat at a BBQ 😂 pic.twitter.com/ikZCKk2GYw
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) August 29, 2020
Davidson was considered a great value for the Falcons in round two, but has missed time at practice due to a knee strain. While the injury doesn’t bode well for his early playing time, he should still bring value as a rotational defensive lineman at both tackle and end.
Davidson played four seasons at Auburn where he racked up 90 solo tackles, 28 tackles for a loss and 14.5 sacks. In 2019, he played primarily at defensive end and had a career-best 6.5 sacks.
For the rookie to make an impact in the NFL, he simply has to put the work in. Staying close to one of the league’s premier defensive tackles is a good start, assuming he’s six feet away, of course.
