Ray Davis | The Reliable Rookie Running Back

RB Re’Mahn “Ray” davis – University of kentucky
5-FOOT-8 | 211LBS
Career Stats: 746rush 3,626yd 29td – 94REC 762YD 12TD

Pros

Ray Davis is a sound running back, utilizing vision, patience and footwork to efficiently navigate rushing lanes. The absence of elite explosiveness has not hindered Davis throughout his collegiate career due to his foundational strengths as a runner. Although Davis will need to further sharpen his rushing instincts to prosper against more athletic NFL defenders.

When approaching would-be-tacklers, Davis is more likely to use his compact frame to choose power over elusiveness. Davis is not the biggest running back in the 2024 rookie class; however, he invites contact when necessary and displays above average balance when doing so. His vision paired with his contact balance allows Davis to end the play falling forward more often than not.

Another skill that makes Davis a prime rotational running back is his pass catching ability. Davis shows receiving prowess not only as a dump-off option but as a route-runner out of the backfield. Despite a lack of elite acceleration, Davis is a smooth receiver that uses sure hands and good balance to threaten defenses through the air.

Cons

Where Davis shines as an instinctive runner, he lacks in elite acceleration. Upon taking the handoff out of the backfield, Davis uses his vision and footwork to get to the next level instead of explosiveness. Davis will need to be even more sharp as a runner to counter the increased athleticism at the NFL level. Further, Davis would not be one to shake defenders that get into the backfield with his elusiveness.

Once at the second level, Davis does not have the home run speed to consistently pull away for chunk plays. At certain points on the field, the red zone for instance, the lack of elite long speed would not be as great of a factor.

Davis’ five seasons of collegiate experience has helped him to hone his running back skills. However with that experience comes a lot of usage and one notable injury which was a season-ending toe ligament injury in his third season. Otherwise, Davis has proven to be a durable running back who had produced at every stop along his collegiate journey.

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Summary

Ray Davis has over 800 touches across five collegiate seasons for three different teams. The well-traveled running back produced over 1,000 yards at three different college programs. Davis wins with great patience and vision and is able to finish runs with above average power delivered through a compact frame.

For those dynasty managers looking for a young, uber athletic running back Davis is not your guy. However, Davis is a versatile back that can fit into any NFL backfield and earn touches as a part of a committee. With NFL teams’ running back rotations shifting from bell cow to two- and three-headed monsters, Davis is poised to be a modest fantasy producer with receiving upside.

As far as rookie rankings Davis is my RB-5 and I do not anticipate he will move much in either direction between now and Week 1. The insulation for Davis’ value is related to his versatility fitting into most any NFL backfield. Further, I expect Davis to taken no sooner than the fourth Round of the NFL Draft. So regardless of where Davis lands, I am interested in taking him as early as the third round of dynasty rookie drafts with the hope that he has a Jaylen Warren-type of opportunity.

Strengths

• Vision & Patience
• Contact Balance
• Smooth Pass Catcher

Concerns

• Acceleration/Burst
• Home Run Speed
• Experience (Age/Mileage/Injury)

2024 Dynasty Rookie Draft Projection: Early-Mid 3rd Round Pick

Ideal Role: Committee Back

Player Comp: Zach Moss & Jaylen Warren

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