While the Tennessee Titans 2019 NFL Draft picks were largely composed of defensive names, the team did select a pair of players to strengthen the offense.
One of these was former Charlotte offensive lineman Nate Davis, chosen with the No. 82 overall pick in the third round.
Here are six things to know about the former 49er:
1. He was the 49ers’ best offensive player in 2018.
A lineman typically isn’t the first player that comes to mind when thinking about high-impact athletes on the offensive side of the ball.
But in 2018, Davis was named Charlotte’s best offensive player for 2018 by Super Bowl nation. The 6-foot-3, 311-pounder was a four-year starter who saw 37 career starts over 40 games in college.
2. He spent three years at guard, and one at tackle in college.
One key element to being successful in Tennessee is versatility, and Davis has got it. Having played at more than one position on the line means that he can handle being moved around, and increases his ability to see action right out of the gate.
General manager Jon Robinson obviously won’t hint at a starting lineup this early, but seemed excited about Davis’ abilities after drafting him.
“He’ll come in here and go in there with the line room and get to work,” he said. “It’s all about competition. I’m not anointing anybody. I’m just excited to get him in here and watch him go after it.”
3. There’s a spot for Davis to start immediately.
It won’t come without competition, but there’s an open spot for Davis to assume starting responsibilities in 2019.
There’s an opening at the guard spot opposite of newly signed guard Rodger Saffold, after the Titans released Josh Kline and decided against signing Quinton Spain earlier this year.
4. Jon Robinson has spent every third-round pick on a player outside of the Power-5 who attended the Senior Bowl, with Davis being the latest.
Aside from trading around the draft board every year, the Titans general manager has established another tradition. Every year since he assumed the position in 2016, all of his third-round selections have been players outside of the Power-5 who received Senior Bowl invites and attended.
Davis is the latest of these, joining the ranks of safety Kevin Byard, wide receiver Taywan Taylor and tight end Jonnu Smith.
5. He already has some familiarity with the Titans.
It may be Davis’ first year in two-toned blue, but he isn’t a total stranger to his new team.
He’s already familiar with the coaches, as offensive line coach Keith Carter worked him out a few weeks before the draft. He was also one of the Tennessee’s 30 pre-draft visits.
He’s even got a little bit of a feel for what plays the team will be running.
“I’m actually very familiar,” he said. “I kind of got a little inside look at the playbook.”
6. He’s a safe bet overall.
The Titans don’t stand to lose a lot regardless of how the Davis pick pans out. They didn’t miss out on anyone of note by taking him at 82nd overall, and if he does well, they gain an instant starter that fills a major void.
If he falls short of the expectations, they’re left with big-bodied lineman with experience that provides depth. There’s not exactly a high risk factor involved here.
