Cowboys Insider: Re-thinking Leonard Davis' reputation as an underachiever
Tom Orsborn
Express-News
Unless he becomes a regular visitor to the Pro Bowl as a Cowboy, former Texas standout Leonard Davis will be remembered as one of the league’s biggest underachievers.
Although Will Smith understands why that’s so, the New Orleans Saints Pro Bowl defensive end rolls his eyes whenever he hears pundits pound Davis.
“I know why they call him an underachiever,” Smith said. “People say that because he was a high draft pick and hasn’t been to the Pro Bowl every season, but I don’t think that’s what he is.”
The Cowboys spent $18.75 million in guaranteed money to land Davis, who spent his first six seasons with Arizona, in free agency.
Smith shared his thoughts about Davis this week before the news conference in which Saints owner Tom Benson pledged millions to start a University of the Incarnate Word football program.
Smith accompanied Benson to San Antonio along with three other Saints, receiver Michael Lewis, fullback Mike Karney and offensive tackle Jon Stinchcomb.
When asked about Davis’ slacker reputation, Smith snorted and then tried to set the record straight.
“Leonard Davis is hard worker who brings his ‘A’ game every time he comes out there to play,” Smith said. “Trying to be consistent as possible is the key to success in the NFL, and I think he’s proven he does that to everybody in the league.”
Smith said defensive linemen dread facing Davis because of his 6-foot-6, 366-pound size.
“He’s a real huge guy in height and width, and he’s a strong guy,” Smith said. “He’s a hard guy to get around.”
Smith said he’s glad the Saints don’t play the Cowboys in 2007, noting they now have one of the league’s top offensive lines.
“They’ve got five huge guys there,” Smith said.
That’s true, but the Cowboys are also thin when it comes to depth up front. With that in mind, they recently signed former Philadelphia guard and San Antonio Lee High School graduate Trey Darilek, a 6-5, 310-pound three-year veteran formerly of UTEP.
The Eagles drafted Darilek in the fourth round in 2004. He played sparingly as a rookie and in 2005 before being released before the start of last season. He signed with Miami but was cut midway throught the season.
More relief could come in the draft. Although they are unlikely to use their first-round pick (No. 22 overall) on an offensive lineman, the Cowboys could grab a guard in the second round.
Tennessee’s Arron Sears and Iowa’s Marshal Yanda are possibilities, especially because they can also play tackle. Right now, second-year player Pat McQuistan is the only backup tackle on the roster and he was inactive for all but one game last season.
One thing is certain: new coach Wade Phillips has made strengthening the line a priority.
“It’s like with the pitcher and catcher on a baseball team,” Phillips said. “If you’re strong up the middle, you can really help your team.”
And, according to Will Smith, the Cowboys did just that when they signed Davis.
Express-News
Unless he becomes a regular visitor to the Pro Bowl as a Cowboy, former Texas standout Leonard Davis will be remembered as one of the league’s biggest underachievers.
Although Will Smith understands why that’s so, the New Orleans Saints Pro Bowl defensive end rolls his eyes whenever he hears pundits pound Davis.
“I know why they call him an underachiever,” Smith said. “People say that because he was a high draft pick and hasn’t been to the Pro Bowl every season, but I don’t think that’s what he is.”
The Cowboys spent $18.75 million in guaranteed money to land Davis, who spent his first six seasons with Arizona, in free agency.
Smith shared his thoughts about Davis this week before the news conference in which Saints owner Tom Benson pledged millions to start a University of the Incarnate Word football program.
Smith accompanied Benson to San Antonio along with three other Saints, receiver Michael Lewis, fullback Mike Karney and offensive tackle Jon Stinchcomb.
When asked about Davis’ slacker reputation, Smith snorted and then tried to set the record straight.
“Leonard Davis is hard worker who brings his ‘A’ game every time he comes out there to play,” Smith said. “Trying to be consistent as possible is the key to success in the NFL, and I think he’s proven he does that to everybody in the league.”
Smith said defensive linemen dread facing Davis because of his 6-foot-6, 366-pound size.
“He’s a real huge guy in height and width, and he’s a strong guy,” Smith said. “He’s a hard guy to get around.”
Smith said he’s glad the Saints don’t play the Cowboys in 2007, noting they now have one of the league’s top offensive lines.
“They’ve got five huge guys there,” Smith said.
That’s true, but the Cowboys are also thin when it comes to depth up front. With that in mind, they recently signed former Philadelphia guard and San Antonio Lee High School graduate Trey Darilek, a 6-5, 310-pound three-year veteran formerly of UTEP.
The Eagles drafted Darilek in the fourth round in 2004. He played sparingly as a rookie and in 2005 before being released before the start of last season. He signed with Miami but was cut midway throught the season.
More relief could come in the draft. Although they are unlikely to use their first-round pick (No. 22 overall) on an offensive lineman, the Cowboys could grab a guard in the second round.
Tennessee’s Arron Sears and Iowa’s Marshal Yanda are possibilities, especially because they can also play tackle. Right now, second-year player Pat McQuistan is the only backup tackle on the roster and he was inactive for all but one game last season.
One thing is certain: new coach Wade Phillips has made strengthening the line a priority.
“It’s like with the pitcher and catcher on a baseball team,” Phillips said. “If you’re strong up the middle, you can really help your team.”
And, according to Will Smith, the Cowboys did just that when they signed Davis.
posted by The Gryphon at 9:17 PM
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