Survivor I - Domanick Davis Commentary

NOTE: this draft was completed on 7/24

Recent Stats

YR	RSH	RSHYD	RSHTD	REC	RECYD	RECTD	FPT	RANK
2003	238	1031	8	47	351	0	186.2	14
2004	302	1188	13	68	588	1	261.6	5

Positives - Davis has two consecutive 1,000 yard rushing seasons in his first two years, and plays in an offense that likes to throw the ball to the Running Back, as he as amassed 115 receptions in that span. He is also in a contract year, so will be playing for the big payoff on a team that is going nowhere but up. Houston will also shorten their passing game this year, throwing less deep balls and concentrating on getting the ball out of QB David Carr’s hands faster. This could lead to more short passes to Davis, as well as more Red Zone opportunities as Houston will trade the quick strike for the deliberate attack.

Negatives - Davis has yet to start all 16 games of a season in his young career, battling a multitude of injuries last year. He also must fend off competition from Jonathan Wells, Tony Hollings, and rookie RB Vernand Morency.

Draft Strategy - This pick was dictated by two things: who was left at #8, and our scoring system. I was hoping Shaun Alexander would fall to this spot, but he went at #5. Other considerations at this pick were Brian Westbrook and Randy Moss. Westbrook will lose some of last year’s production to a healthy Correll Buckhalter, and their offense could struggle early due to the T.O. distraction. Moss has a big question mark due to switching teams and QBs. Kerry Collins is not Daunte Culpepper. I refuse to take a player with that much of an unknown in the first round. In a Basic Scoring league, or straight Yardage league, I think this pick is too high for Davis. However, we will receive 1 point per reception, and Davis should pull in 60 to 70 balls out of the backfield, giving him a significant advantage over other backs. Couple that with his consistent performance the last two years and willingness to play through injuries, and Davis is a solid pick in the middle of the first round.