If you have read anything about Julie’n Davenport, you will see that he’s one of the top smaller school offensive tackle prospects in the country. Some people feel that he may go higher than the third round but if he is at number 67, when the Bears pick, he would be a steal.
Davenport has a lot of upside. NFL.com says about Davenport’s strengths:
"Possesses elite arm length and hand size for the position. Can unravel his arms and stick them into the chest of a frustrated edge rusher. Able to gain necessary ground to race to the edge over first two kick slides. Keeps head back and out of pass sets when he punches. Team leader and two-year captain. Good strength in hands to snatch and secure the frame of defenders. Has adequate athleticism to reach and hook the edge. Able to get out in space as pulling tackle or on screens. Has moldable physical traits to work with."
Playing at a smaller school has not given Davenport the recognition he deserves. It may also cost him some draft position because he hasn’t played against top-level competition. Some of his biggest drawbacks include not being a true road grader when blocking for the run. He can also work on refining his pass protection skill and he needs to be a little nastier.
If a coaching staff can fix the things that he struggles with, he has the potential to be a solid starter in the league. He may take a year or two to develop but if can get in the right offensive system and get with the right coaching staff, he could shine.
Davenport could be a steal. If he’s there and the Bears are willing, they should give him a shot.
Alternate pick: Chad Hansen-WR-California-The Bears could use some help at the wide receiver position. It’s possible Hansen could help them out as a second or third receiver. He would be a value pick at this spot in the third round.