Raekwon Davis, a free agent, was signed by the Indianapolis Colts this offseason. He is a defensive tackle who played with the Miami Dolphins for his entire four-year NFL career. This acquisition could have a significant effect as Davis attempts to relocate to Indianapolis. Considering his potential, he made a wise signing by agreeing to a $14 million, two-year contract.
During free agency, the Colts also re-signed two defensive line playmakers. Veteran defensive end Tyquan Lewis re-signed to a $12 million contract extension, while veteran tackle Grover Stewart re-signed to a $39 million deal extension. It was already a significant move to combine these two re-signs with rookie Laiatu Latu, Kwity Paye, and DeForest Buckner. Raekwon Davis’s influence, though, might be a dark horse.
How the Colts’ Defense May Be Affected by Raekwon Davis
His Professional Life So Far
After being selected by the Miami Dolphins in the 2020 NFL Draft out of the University of Alabama, Raekwon Davis entered the league. It was during his sophomore year that he became well-known as a remarkable collegiate athlete. He finished with 69 total tackles through 14 games, 10 tackles for loss, 8 sacks, and 1 interception. His 45 aided tackles overall ranked 10th in the SEC, while his eight sacks placed him fifth.
He did have some success in his early NFL career, aside from his time in college. Davis was selected to the 2020 NFL All-Rookie Team as a rookie. In his debut season, he started 12 games and recorded his highest number of tackles ever (40). He has 59 solo tackles, five tackles for loss, 10 quarterback hits, and two sacks in his four years and 48 starts. Davis does not provide spectacular stats as a playmaker; instead, he is primarily a run-stuffer. He is effective as a complementary depth piece and a disruptor at the line, though.
He only started seven games for the Dolphins in the previous season. There were rumors that they might give him an extension, but the Colts signed him as a free agency. The way Davis has performed so far in his career, it is clear that the Colts think he can strengthen their already strong defensive line.
His Potential for Defense
DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart are the defensive line’s two main interior starters. What does that mean for Raekwon Davis now? He is not anticipated to be the Colts’ primary starter. Still, he might prove to be a valuable depth player in the future. Last season, this was a much-missed asset.
Grover Stewart received a six-game suspension from the NFL last season for abusing performance-enhancing substances. Throughout those six games, the Colts had trouble stopping the run. Indianapolis allowed 311 yards on the rush and six touchdowns on the ground in the two games that followed his suspension. Indianapolis gave allowed 151.5 yards per game on the run on average in the games that followed.
The Colts were obviously killed by not having someone who could step up and fill a much-needed hole. They are hope that issue won’t arise again in 2024. With Davis’s talent and skill set, the expectation is that he can be the backup player who can step up when necessary. For this defense, Davis’ main responsibility will be this. Once more, he won’t be the main starter, but he will be an important backup and contributor. The Colts will be greatly impacted by this free-agent signing because of this.
Vincent Carchietta/USA TODAY Sports is the main photo.
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