Ourlads' Profile:
2023 Guide: What Ourlads’ NFL Scouting Services said about DERIUS DAVIS:
TCU | H: 5084 W: 168 40: 4.30 A: 2914 H: 0800 W: 6900
Two-year starter, Saint Francisville, LA. Two-time All-Big 12 as a returner, including first team honors in 2022. Davis made his biggest impact as a returner. He hit paydirt six times over his career, five on punts and one on a kickoff. The former state champion in the 200 meter was one of the fastest recruits coming into college. He made an immediate transition from cornerback to receiver after arriving at TCU. It took him a few years before he made an impact on the passing game, but once put into the starting lineup at slot, Davis showed he was more than a returner. His size is small, but he showed there are things to work with offensively. While his draft slot will very much depend on his return ability, do not sleep on the big play potential he can supply from the bottom of the receiver group. Lightning-fast with rare top speed. Short, rapid-fire steps as he gets into his route. Avoids contact off the line with slippery, bendy positioning. Sells routes and understands timing and accuracy of breaks. Strong hands, will extend himself with proper timing and toughness. Fast to tuck and run postcatch. Everything about his game is twitchy and sudden. Tiny radius and even smaller hands. Does not provide much margin for a passer to work with. Will not win many contested situations. Essentially a slot-only in the TCU offense. Did not run a full array of routes. Will be drafted for his return skills, but the extra value will come from what his diminutive frame can add offensively from a gadget-type role.
2022 Stats: 42-531, 12.6 ypr, 5 TD, 30 yds rushing, 1 TD, 18-268 PR, 14.9 avg, 2 TD, 28-572 KOR, 20.4 avg. OSR:13/46. 7th round/PFA.