Clemson defensive tackle Tyler Davis is a pro-ready experienced lineman in the 2024 NFL Draft. Pairing run-stopping prowess with underrated pass-rush ability, Davis carries the potential of a three-down defender.
Davis recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network about stopping the run and rushing the passer, his production at Clemson, hard-nosed lessons learned in high school, and more.
JM: You leave Clemson with 144 tackles, 29.5 tackles for loss, and 16 sacks. For the most part, I thought the tape got better every season. What led to your consistent improvement every year?
Tyler Davis: I would credit my preparation first and foremost. I’m a tough, hard-nosed player. I always come in trying to be the most prepared player in the room. My goal has always been to help the team win games. Being prepared is vital to the overall success of the team. I was prepared every single year. I had a good routine with good habits.
JM: It’s obvious on tape. When I turn the tape on, I see a disruptive linemen with heavy hands and a high motor. How did you develop those aspects of your game?
Tyler Davis: I started developing those traits going all the way back to my high school years. My first high school football coach was Kenard Lang. He taught us to never loaf to the ball. I remember a game during my freshman year of high school coach got on me for loafing (laughs). He made a big scene of it. I never did it again. I never wanted to be that guy.
With coach Nick Eason at Clemson now, he taught us that loafers are detriments to the team. Coach Eason and coach Lang added new dimensions to my game. I never want to be a detriment to my own teammates.
JM: I love that. Those are two terrific coaches. Is Tyler Davis a better run-stopper or pass-rusher at this point in time?
Tyler Davis: Tyler Davis is an all-around player. I do everything at a high level. I do a lot of stuff well in the passing game, and as a run-stopper as well. I think I’m a very disruptive player against the run and pass. I know how to get quarterbacks off their spot. I penetrate the backfield with consistency. I would say I’m a complete player that’s refined in both areas.
JM: How would you describe your pass rush arsenal? What are some of your go-to moves and counters to get quarterbacks off their spot?
Tyler Davis: I’m a club-rip guy first and foremost. I love getting to my club-rip. I can counter off of that. I’m also a bull rush guy. I love converting speed to power. I work a bunch of counters and make transitional moves off of that.
It depends on the offensive lineman. If he likes to vertically set me, I can react. If he respects my finesse, I can go to my power game. If he jumps at me, I can hit him with finesse. It just depends who I’m playing against. I have to take the look I want to take.
JM: That’s a terrific breakdown. Talk to me about earning the right to rush the passer by stopping the run. You strike me as the kind of guy that gets that.
Tyler Davis: You have to earn the right to rush the passer. It’s a mentality thing. Every offense, their go-to preference is to establish the run and beat you on the ground. They want to win the physical battle in the trenches. If we don’t stop the run, we’re not earning the right to rush the quarterback.
We have to stop the run first and foremost. I love how you put it. It’s about earning the right. You need to do that before you get to the fun part (laughs).
JM: Have you been enjoying the pre-draft meeting process? I imagine you’ve traveled around the country.
Tyler Davis: Yeah, I’ve been enjoying the process. I’ve been training and doing a bunch of interviews, visiting with teams. I’ve also hopped online with a bunch of teams on Zoom. I’m loving the process right now.
JM: We've appreciated your time today. What kind of impact is Tyler Davis going to make at the next level?
Tyler Davis: I’m going to bring a lot of energy and leadership to the table. I’m going to commit myself to the organization. I’m going to be the same committed, consistent player I’ve always been. I’m going to take my game to another level. You can trust me both on and off the field. I’m going to be a player you can depend on.
