2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Ray Davis




  • Ray Davis, 5-8/220
  • Running Back
  • Kentucky

Ray Davis Scouting Report

By Charlie Campbell

Strengths:

  • Strong build and size
  • Straight-line speed
  • True power back
  • North-South forceful runner
  • Keeps legs going after contact
  • Consistently breaks tackles
  • Finishes runs well
  • Burst to the hole
  • Drags tacklers
  • Decisive runner
  • Doesn’t dance in the backfield
  • Zero hesitation to pound the ball into the defense
  • Has a nose for the end zone
  • Wears down defenses
  • Runs well in the second half
  • Capable of controlling games
  • Good route-running
  • Has some elusiveness
  • Good hands
  • Durable
  • Ready to contribute immediately
  • Good fit for a zone-blocking system
  • Nice knee bend
  • Runs behind his pads
  • Upside

Weaknesses:

  • Good, but not elite, speed
  • Will have to learn NFL blitz protection

Prospect Summary:

Over the past couple of seasons, Davis was an under-the-rader tough runner in the SEC. In 2022 with Vanderbilt, Davis averaged 4.5 yards per carry for 1,042 yards and five touchdowns. He also caught 29 passes for 169 yards and three touchdowns. Davis then transferred to Kentucky for 2023, and he was excellent for the Wildcats. Davis averaged 5.7 yards per carry on the year for 1,129 yards and 14 touchdowns. He also caught 33 passes for 323 yards and seven touchdowns through the air.

As a runner, Davis is a downhill physical force. Davis is a true North-South power back who plows over defenders and constantly picks up yards after contact. With his power and strength, Davis was dangerous in short-yardage and goal-line situations because he is a very physical runner who shows no fear to hit the hole with authority. Davis does a fantastic job of keeping his legs churning after contact. He is a decisive runner who charges downfield and is not one to dance in the backfield. He displays zero hesitation to stick his nose into a scrum and power through the defense to generate positive yardage. His power allows him to finish runs well, and he will consistently drag tacklers behind him.

Davis is a true North-South runner who is a one-cut downhill force. However, he also has some elusiveness to dodge and juke defenders. Davis would fit a zone-blocking scheme as a one-cut downhill tailback, but he is more of a North-South runner.

As a receiver, Davis does a nice job for a power back. He showed the ability to contribute as a receiver in 2023 and generated quality production through route-running and reliable hands. Like all college backs, Davis will need development with blitz protection, but he is a willing blocker who has the potential to be a good contributor in that phase.

In the 2024 NFL Draft, Davis will probably end up going in the mid-rounds. He has starting ability and could be a steal.

Prospect Comparison:

David Montgomery. Davis is similar to Montgomery coming out of Iowa State. Both are physical runners who can contribute as receivers. Davis could be a solid pro starter, like Montgomery. Montgomery went in the third round, and Davis could go in the same range in the 2024 NFL Draft.





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