Carl Davis to Baltimore Ravens: Full Draft-Pick Breakdown

Sometimes in the NFL Draft, a player is simply too good to pass on, even if he's not at a position of need. 

That was the case with the Baltimore Ravens in the third round. After addressing bigger needs with their first two picks, Baltimore drafted the best player available, though it was at a position that's already solid.

With the 90th-overall pick the Ravens took Iowa defensive tackle Carl Davis. To give you an idea of how good of a value pick that was, ESPN ranked Davis as their 57th-overall prospect. 

CBS Sports had Davis ranked 53rd overall in their draft rankings. While defensive tackle wasn't a big need, Davis was simply too good of a prospect to pass up. 

How Davis Fits The Ravens

While his wasn't a "need" position, Baltimore did need to add some depth to their defensive line at some point in the draft.

That's because they traded All-Pro lineman Haloti Ngata to the Detroit Lions this offseason. Ngata was able to play all three spots on the line in Baltimore's 3-4 defense, so they lost depth at all three spots by shipping him off. 

The 6'2", 320-pound Davis will likely stick to five-technique defensive tackle in Baltimore's 3-4 defense. He could kick inside and play some nose, but likely sticks to his more natural position in the NFL. 

Davis emerged as a full-time starter in 2013 for the Hawkeyes. Since then, Davis has racked up 78 total tackles and 13 tackles for loss.

As NFL.com's Lance Zierlein writes, Davis' strength is his power and ability to maintain his gap, even against double teams: 

"

Powerful player. Grows roots against double teams and holds his ground. Noticeable improvement with hands from 2013 to 2014. Shows ability to win with hands and remain disengaged. Fires off the ball with leverage. Strong punch off the snap with power to get arm extension and shed. Uses effective club move as a pass rusher.

"

The problem with Davis is that he offers nothing as a pass-rusher. He only 3.5 sacks in his past 26 games, and Iowa often took him off the field on obvious passing downs. 

The good news for him is lineman in a 3-4 defense aren't expected to produce much from a pass-rushing standpoint. Their job is mostly just maintaining their gaps and keeping offensive lineman off the linebackers, who often make the tackle or sack in 3-4 defenses. 

At this moment, Timmy Jernigan is projected to be the starting defensive tackle, which is likely what Davis will play. That means he could spend his rookie season as a backup, but he's talented enough to push Jernigan for snaps. 

Another way Baltimore to get Davis on the field more would be putting the versatile Jernigan at nose tackle or defensive end, then having Davis come in to play defensive tackle. 

Either way, Davis is a talented prospect who's going to be hard to keep off the field as a rookie. 

Initial Reaction to Davis Selection

This was a very good pick by Baltimore. While it didn't address a glaring need, Davis was too good of a player to pass up.

He gives Baltimore added depth along the defensive line, and he should get a healthy dose of playing time as a rookie. 

Getting Davis in the latter part of the third round may end up being the steal of the draft. That's how good of a player he was at times in college.