Marlon Davidson will feast on Atlanta Falcons defensive line
By Adam Zippan
Marlon Davidson will be a welcome addition to the Atlanta Falcons defensive line. The defensive tackle and former Auburn Tiger is a very versatile player who should bring some much-needed beef.
While he was mainly a defensive end in college, Marlon Davidson has the speed and athleticism to set the edge at the same position for the Falcons, in addition to him shifting to the interior of the line to play tackle.
The Falcons will be getting a bully at the point of attack and brings toughness and physicality. This is exactly what they desperately need. He possesses the ability to disrupt off the edge. He should help to solidify the interior defensive line for years to come, providing he reaches his potential.
Davidson should bring much more pass-rushing ability than what the Falcons currently have with Tyeler Davison and Allen Bailey. The pick of Davidson pretty much seals the fate of Deadrin Senat, as the writing is on the wall for him.
Davidson is a beast who will feast on opposing offensive lines. Playing in the SEC in college means that he went up against great competition the majority of the time. He is also stout as a run defender.
Envisioning him playing beside Grady Jarrett who is virtually unblockable and demands double teams, will be a nightmare for opposing offensive lines. He should be able to dominate, and will also help to free up Takkarist McKinley and Donte Fowler, Jr. at defensive end.
One of the greatest quotes in NFL combine history occurred when Davidson was interviewed in Indianapolis in February 2020. He was asked what he loves most about the game.
"Davidson’s honesty in his response shows that he says it like it is and doesn’t pull any punches. He advised that he can literally go out and hit, pound, and abuse somebody consistently without the police coming. No headlines, no handcuffs, and no mugshots."
This depicts his nasty side and toughness, which is exactly what this Falcons defensive line lacks. The front seven gets stronger with this pick which is exactly what this franchise needed.
Defensive coordinator Raheem Morris can get even more creative with his playcalling. The selection of Davidson allows Morris to move him, Dante Fowler, Jr., and Takkarist McKinley around and provide different fronts and looks.
This pick is the ideal type of Dan Quinn and Thomas Dimitroff player who plays with heart and grit. It’s a move that makes sense for many reasons. Davidson can hit, abuse and pound as many opposing guys as he likes, as long as he’s the same stud in the NFL as he was in college.