So far in free agency, the New England Patriots have made it clear that they intend to improve the team in any way they can. This started on the defensive end, as New England was able to bring in multiple players that can be key pieces in the rebuild. One of them was cornerback Carlton Davis III, who signed a 3yr/60 million dollar this week.
Davis, when healthy, is one of the most underrated corners in the league. An Auburn Alum, Davis III was selected in the second round (63rd pick) in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Once drafted, Davis III made an immediate impact, as he improved every year with Tampa Bay. Overall, Davis III recorded 324 tackles and 9 interceptions in 76 games before being traded to the Lions last year. In 13 games, Davis III recorded 56 tackles and 2 interceptions.
When healthy, Davis III was an elite man-coverage corner that made it hard for any receiver to gain separation. Davis III ranked in the top 15 in target separation (average distance from his assigned receiver when the pass arrives) at 1.2 and 8th in coverage rating (target frequency+passes per target that he breaks up/intercepts) at +32.1. Davis III also ranked in the top 20 in man coverage success rate (12th at 76.6%) and passer rating allowed (16th at 85.9). When on the field, the numbers don't lie when it comes to Davis III and man coverage. (All stats found at (playerprofiler.com)
The biggest factor that is preventing Davis III from being considered a top corner in football is availability. Davis III has yet to play 15 or more games in a season, which is a little concerning. The most games he has played in a season is 14 in 2019 and 2020.
With that said, I think this is a homerun signing for New England. Getting a guy like Davis III to pair alongside All-Pro Christain Gonzalez will give the Pats a lethal 1-2 combo. Davis III also fits perfectly in Head Coach Mike Vrabel's cover-1, man-to-man style defense. Davis III will also not have to cover a team's number one receiver, which opens the opportunity to hinder any chance of multiple opposing receivers impacting a game. If he can stay healthy, and that is a big if, New England could have one of, if not the best, shutdown cornerback duos in the entire NFL.
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Catch you next time!
-Matt Hylen
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