“It Was A Lot Of Big-Bro-Type Stuff”
April 5th, 2021
On the rise
So who got labeled by a Tampa Bay coach as the most explosive Bucs defensive lineman late in training camp last year?
It’s not the easiest trivia question.
The answer is 2020 sixth-round pick Khalil Davis, the interior lineman out of Nebraska who has plenty of fans at One Buc Palace.
The then-rookie took 25 percent of the defensive snaps during the wild card game at Washington, and he saw active duty against New Orleans a week later. No doubt it was a boost of confidence for Davis, who played in just two regular-season games but managed an official hit of Patrick Mahomes on Thanksgiving weekend.
Davis talked recently to the Journal Star about his positive rookie experience.
Boy, did Davis ever learn from Suh.
“It was a lot of big bro-type stuff,” Davis says. “He’d kind of tell me what to do. But even when he wasn’t telling me what to do, I was just watching him.”
Davis added that he aspires to be like Suh.
The day after games, Tampa Bay’s strength coaches, including former Nebraska strength coach Chad Wade, gave players options to work out at 7, 8 or 9 a.m. Davis chose 7 a.m. every time because he wanted to be among the first players in the team’s facility.
He noticed Suh already would be in the midst of his workout.
“I’d say 90% of the time he was already there,” Davis says. “That’s just being a pro.”
As defensive tackle Will Gholston told media months ago, Davis likely would have shined and been further along last season if he there had been preseason games for him. This year, Davis will get those, and likely more of a shot to be the fourth guy in the Bucs’ four-man rotation at defensive tackle.
Davis went on to explain that he had to earn the respect of Suh and Lavonte David, who he described as a demanding and detailed veteran.
April 5th, 2021 at 10:33 am
Wondered about Davis during the season. Looked like he had plenty of potential. Glad to see this story. He may be a sleeper. Deserves a chance in pre-season for sure.
April 5th, 2021 at 10:40 am
Pretty cool behind the scene stuff there
And yes he was 6 round pick of last year
Last years draft may go down in buc history
Obviously d brook and sapp is the best ? But did they get value outside of those 2. Last year wirfs and winfield the two studs. But wait for vaughn to get his feet wet …typer johnson has a huge upside being 5 th round…and add davis here in 6th.
April 5th, 2021 at 10:53 am
I loved this guy at nebraska. He actually spent his senior season as a grad student, so ya know he’s wicked smaht. Dude had 8 sacks from DT and 15 TFL. Absolutely love this dude. We had an eye on him but went another direction.
April 5th, 2021 at 11:03 am
Good article Joe. This kids name gets lost in DL depth talk. With a little more time he could become at least a solid backup or hopefully the second coming of Suh (knock on wood).
April 5th, 2021 at 11:04 am
Although we have what I would describe as a veteran team, seems like we also have a wealth of promising youth under development. Their increasing experience and learning from the vets should really cement the team’s long-term status as a top tier team even after the departure of the JPPs, Suhs, etc. The team just needs to draft interior O-line and D-line players for depth and then focus on the QB for the post-Brady era, which I’m sure is at the top of Licht’s To-Do List.
April 5th, 2021 at 11:06 am
I liked the draft pick. He should hit the ground running this season so we’ll see what he brings
April 5th, 2021 at 11:09 am
I suspect he has the kind of “jump” to make a really good situational DL pass rusher. I noticed the few snaps he got, he was getting some penetration. get him a move or two for his arsenal and he could contribute.
April 5th, 2021 at 11:09 am
What a draft!!!
April 5th, 2021 at 11:19 am
Agree with Brad … – The thing I noticed about his tapes was how quick he was off the snap. Suh will be a good mentor (already is) to polish and utilize that inborn trait.
April 5th, 2021 at 11:40 am
Good to hear.
April 5th, 2021 at 11:54 am
The Bucs have a 6th round DL that not only made the team but he played in games. Last years draft is even more incredible.
April 5th, 2021 at 12:22 pm
Thx Joe
Last years draft is a stunner
April 5th, 2021 at 3:01 pm
Leadership breeds leadership. Great sign that we already have some depth on the D line.
April 5th, 2021 at 3:23 pm
fastest 40 for an interior lineman in last year’s combine….4.75
April 5th, 2021 at 7:33 pm
Just love the article. Respect is always the key.to success. AB are you listening?
Players of the game,
..fame is fleeting enjoy today
April 5th, 2021 at 8:44 pm
They had him in witness protection last year, but this year they will unleash him!
April 5th, 2021 at 10:22 pm
Young guys playing with all these FHOF. Trade down and get Joe Tryon. Looks a lot like JPP.
April 5th, 2021 at 11:03 pm
Bring it!!