Ourlads' Profile:
2020 Guide: What Ourlads' Scouting Services said about AKEEM DAVIS-GAITHER: Appalachian State, 6014 224 4.65. Two-year starter, Thomasville, NC. First-team All-Sun Belt and Defensive Player of the Year. Undersized Will linebacker with off the charts chase ability. Plays in the box and on the edge. Quick with initial read and react he can get downhill in a gap or fit the alley. Rips through blocks on the move and can arm over or under to shed. High motor keeps him hustling. At his best in pursuit with sideline to sideline range. Can play the quarterback and get to the pitch on the option. Runs through ball carriers in space gathering on the move and extending into the tackle. Solid lateral agility adjusting to movement. As a blitzer has a burst to close on the quarterback. Has match skill on back release and can stay in phase through route breaks. Outside the box has spot drop experience in the flat and is sudden breaking on the underneath route. Occasional missed tackle being overaggressive. His eagerness to pursue backside allows an occasional cutback. Some inconsistency with inside fits. Lacks bulk to consistently take on straight up blocks inside. Will run around a block at times losing leverage on the ball. His ability to chase and slip blocks made him a special teams ace early in his career. That will serve him well at the next level. Should project to at least sub package/special teams. Most of his issues are coachable and he could develop into a starter at Will in a 4-3. Senior Bowl notes: Had an outstanding week. At his best flowing to the ball with lateral speed and agility. Outstanding range in coverage and pursuit. Matched up well on backs out of the backfield. Lacked bulk for consistent take-on ability and overran some gaps. 2019 stats: 104 T, 14.5 TFL, 5 sacks, 8 PBU, 6 QBH, 1 BK, 1 INT. Medical exclusion at Combine. Third/fourth round. (A-31 1/8, H-9 1/2, BP-21, SS-DNP).