5 2020 NFL Draft prospects who could be surprise first round picks

DALLAS, TEXAS - OCTOBER 12: Neville Gallimore #90 of the Oklahoma Sooners wears the Golden Hat trophy after defeating the Texas Longhorns 34-27 during the 2019 AT&T Red River Showdown at Cotton Bowl on October 12, 2019 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
DALLAS, TEXAS - OCTOBER 12: Neville Gallimore #90 of the Oklahoma Sooners wears the Golden Hat trophy after defeating the Texas Longhorns 34-27 during the 2019 AT&T Red River Showdown at Cotton Bowl on October 12, 2019 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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BERKELEY, CA – NOVEMBER 24: Ashtyn Davis #27 of the California Golden Bears returns an interception for a touchdown against the Colorado Buffaloes at California Memorial Stadium on November 24, 2018 in Berkeley, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
BERKELEY, CA – NOVEMBER 24: Ashtyn Davis #27 of the California Golden Bears returns an interception for a touchdown against the Colorado Buffaloes at California Memorial Stadium on November 24, 2018 in Berkeley, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

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Ashtyn Davis S

Cal Golden Bears Football
Cal Golden Bears Football /

Scouting Report

Remember what I just said? Speed kills, and California safety Ashtyn Davis is a former collegiate track star. He has also accepted an invite to the Senior Bowl and will be in Mobile, Alabama in a couple months to further showcase his talents to NFL scouts and general managers. In a weak safety class where even Grant Delpit is beginning to slip, there is plenty of opportunity for Davis to rise into the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft.

As offenses become more vertically oriented, defenses are running much more nickel and dime than in years past; the addition of rangy safeties cannot be overlooked. Enter Ashtyn Davis. The Cal senior, while his interception numbers have dropped in 2019, has put together some fun film in 2019 that include playing over the top, in the box, and underneath in coverage.

On the year, Davis has recorded a forced fumble, one interception, four passes defended, and has tallied 27 solo tackles from the third level of the Golden Bears’ defense. Last year as a junior, the 6-1 and 200 pound safety recorded four picks, five passes defended, and 37 solo tackles.

One thing is for certain: Davis is going to put on an absolute show at the combine in March. Bank on the recency of the Senior Bowl and the combine in correlation to the 2020 NFL Draft giving Davis a bit of an upper hand.