Maxxcash HOUSTON — Towering, massive and aggressive, defensive tackle Raekwon Davis anchors the middle of the Miami Dolphins‘ defense. One of the biggest and most powerful defensive linemen in the league at 6-foot-7, 330 pounds, Davis has a huge presence at the line of scrimmage.
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Raekwon Davis lets his actions on the field speak for him
When Davis made a healthy return last season from a knee injury suffered in the first game against the New England Patriots, there was a noticeable uptick in the run defense after he missed three games.
Now, the former second-round draft pick from Alabama is looking forward to his third NFL season. In Texas for cornerback Xavien Howard’s annual football camp, Davis didn’t make lofty predictions. He prefers to let his actions on the field playing alongside Christian Wilkins and Emmanuel Ogbah speak for him.
“I just keep working until I get what I want,” said Davis, who recorded 28 tackles, five quarterback pressures, and a half-sack last season in 14 starts. “I keep my head down and I keep working.”
Davis swallows up blocks and allows linebackers like Jerome Baker to run free to the football to rack up tackles.
“I mean, he’s a big, massive, strong guy,” Baker said this offseason. “I think the one thing we don’t give him a lot of credit for is he brings a lot of energy to us.”
One of the biggest changes surrounding the Dolphins this year is the hire of new head coach Mike McDaniel, the replacement for Brian Flores.
McDaniel, known for his creative offensive strategies and his sense of humor, has brought a fun environment to the Dolphins. After finishing 9-8 last season, the Dolphins are optimistic about their outlook under McDaniel.
“It’s a great environment, a great head coach,” Davis said. “We’re having fun, and we’re loving what we’re doing.”
Davis’ ambition to keep working with 2022 season approaching
Davis, 25, had 40 tackles as a rookie with one for a loss and one quarterback hit, and the former All-Southeastern Conference selection garnered all-rookie selection status. His tackle total in 2020 ranked second in the NFL behind only the Washington Commanders’ Chase Young.
Davis wasn’t overly impressed with his output, though, and it was a similar low-key reaction to his second NFL season. This offseason, Davis won a practice jersey award for his work ethic.
“It wasn’t anything special,” Davis said in June. “Just effort, running to the ball. I’m just an effort guy. That’s it.”
Davis has set his ambitions on continuing to improve as an overall defender, especially as a pass rusher.
“You just keep working,” Davis said. “That’s what it’s all about.”
And in attending Howard’s camp, Davis emphasized a message of teamwork and solidarity.
“He’s my brother, he’s my teammate,” Davis said. “He’s my brother, and we got each other’s back. That’s why I’m here…Man, I just look around and I see all the kids coming out. Great environment, everybody having fun, great energy. You love to see the youth come out and work. Man, it’s hot. Just for them to get up early in the morning and do stuff like this, it’s good for them.”
