The 2024 Senior Bowl will provide an opportunity for NFL draft prospects to prove themselves on the largest pre-draft stage. Clemson defensive tackle Tyler Davis plans on taking full advantage. Davis recently spoke exclusively with the Senior Bowl and Draft Network to discuss his motivation for accepting his invitation to compete in Mobile, Alabama.
Davis also discussed what he's striving to prove to NFL general managers and scouts in attendance at the Senior Bowl, stopping the run, playing multiple positions, and more. Let's get to know Davis better ahead of his journey to the Senior Bowl.
JM: Where were you when you found out about your Senior Bowl invite and what was your initial reaction?
Tyler Davis: I was at Clemson. The coaching staff told me they had something for me in the office. Ruke Orhorhoro and I walked to the office and received our invites. We were very excited. We showed a lot of excitement.
Both of us got the invite last year as well but decided to return to Clemson for another season. We were very excited about it.
JM: It must have been special to share that moment with Ruke. What motivated you to accept the Senior Bowl’s invite?
Tyler Davis: The Senior Bowl is one of the best pre-draft all-star games out there. I used to watch the Reese’s Senior Bowl growing up. It’s always been a dream of mine to play in this game. Watching it when I was younger and seeing all the great players that took that field definitely motivated me to accept the offer.
Aaron Donald and Von Miller are among the players that participated in the Senior Bowl. We’re talking about some incredible defensive linemen. It’s a dream come true for me.
JM: What are you hoping to prove to NFL general managers, coaching staffs, and scouts in attendance in Mobile?
Tyler Davis: I’m looking to prove that I’m a guy that plays with a lot of effort. I’m a team-first player that always gives it his all. I’ve never been a selfish player. I’m going to maximize my time in Mobile by showcasing my skills.
JM: How would you describe your skill set in your own words? Write your own scouting report for me.
Tyler Davis: I’m a defender that plays with an extremely high motor. I’m a well-balanced player in all areas. I can get better at a lot of things as well. I’m always looking to improve my all-around game. I believe I’m a great football player.
JM: If you had to compare yourself to a current NFL defensive lineman, who would you choose and why?
Tyler Davis: If I had to choose somebody, I’d probably pick somebody that played at Clemson. That’s a tough question. I’m not sure I play exactly like somebody else right now. I’d pick Christian Wilkins, Grady Jarrett, D.J. Reader, or Dexter Lawrence. We came up in the same system. We all played at Clemson.
JM: Do you feel you’re more advanced as a pass rusher, or as a run stopper?
Tyler Davis: I think I’m equally as effective in both areas. I’m in a pretty good spot but there’s always more room to develop and get better. I feel like I’m pretty even as of right now.
JM: You played multiple positions across the defensive line at Clemson. Where do you see yourself making a permanent home at the next level?
Tyler Davis: I’ve always felt like I possess a versatile skill set. I can play every position, up and down the line. I can see myself playing wherever a team needs me to play. I can play any position.
JM: What’s on Tyler Davis’ pre-game playlist?
Tyler Davis: I mostly listen to Drake and Future. Migos is on the playlist as well. I don’t have one go-to song on the playlist. Those are the artists I listen to most frequently.
JM: At the end of the week, what does a successful Senior Bowl look like for Tyler Davis?
Tyler Davis: I’m going to put my best foot forward in Mobile. I’m going to perform to the best of my abilities. I want to maximize this opportunity that’s been given to me. I definitely want to win every rep that comes my way.
