Steelers Draft Grade: Sean Davis
By Rich Donahue
The Pittsburgh Steelers picked Maryland’s Sean Davis in the second round of the NFL Draft.
After going with a Miami cornerback Artie Burns in the first round, the Steelers stayed in the secondary with their second round selection in the NFL Draft. With Ohio State’s Vonn Bell still on the board, many were thinking he was a sure thing to end up in the Black & Gold. Once again, the Steelers threw everyone a curve ball, drafting Maryland Terrapin safety/corner Sean Davis.
Though Davis played both corner and safety in a hybrid role at Maryland, he is projected to be a safety in the NFL. As with many defensive backs in this draft, the former Terrapin is a tough, physical defender and loves to get involved in the run game, playing downhill with authority.
In his career at Maryland, Davis racked up 319 total tackles, 10 for loss, 2.5 sacks and 5 interceptions. His 80 solo tackles in 2014 were first in the Big Ten, finishing the season with 105 total tackles. Davis has a nose for the football as well, forcing 5 fumbles in 2015 which was second in the nation.
This senior season didn’t start out like Davis planned after moving to the outside cornerback spot. Against the air raid attack of Bowling Green, he was victimized up and down the field in the loss to the Falcons. Davis was also struggled against Penn State. Over the past 2 seasons, he has allowed 10 touchdowns passes thrown his way.
Draft Grade: B-
Drafting Davis is not a bad move for the Steelers, but like Burns, he will need some development before he is ready to make an impact on the starting defense. There were also multiple safeties rated higher than Davis still on the board including Bell and Duke’s Jeremy Cash.
Next: Steelers Draft Grade: Artie Burns
You can bank on Davis competing for time with Shamarko Thomas at safety, but look for the former Terrapin to make an impact on special teams.