Saints: Ranking the top pass rushers in the NFC South
By Jake Rajala
Marcus Davenport
Marcus Davenport has freak potential. Similar to Jadaveon Clowney, this pass-rushing artist makes more of an impact than what’s shown on the stat sheet.
Davenport can play great against the run, have a great pressure rate with his long, athletic frame and get after the quarterback. Davenport was unable to finish the year off last season, but he managed to achieve 6 sacks, 16 QB hits, and 3 FF.
His high motor is evident to his production on the field and he’s been key at big times of the season. Against Carolina, it seemed like Panthers QB Kyle Allen was about to upset the Saints in the Dome when Allen took the field on 3rd and goal.
Davenport put an abrupt end to that drive by sacking Allen late in the game to create 4th and goal. Then he hopped over the line on the Panthers field goal unit and put pressure into the kicker’s face who then missed a chip shot field goal.
The Saints traded two first-round picks to get this freak talent. He’s been scratching the surface and he’s shown flashes of why the Saints wanted him. He needs to stay healthy and his craft should improve all around.
Even if Davenport gets 10 sacks this year, he should be able to get top-10 respect at his position. His ability goes far beyond sacking the quarterback, but that’s what his position gets paid for.
Let’s take a look at the next pass rusher to climb in at No. 2 on the list.