Brian Flores complimentary of DL Raekwon Davis’ second-year growth
Remember Brian Flores’ reaction to when the Miami Dolphins secured defensive tackle Raekwon Davis as a member of their 2020 NFL draft class?
The memes were plentiful.
Flores could hardly contain his excitement in his home draft room — and in the year and change that has followed, Davis has flashed plenty of potential that Flores very well may have been right on the money with his enthusiasm for the monstrous nose tackle. Entering into his second season, Davis is facing swelling expectations after the success of his rookie campaign.
The good news? Flores seems to think that Davis is on the right track. He offered a strong assessment of Davis and how his first full offseason as a pro has gone.
“I think Raekwon (Davis) – his spring, his summer – it’s been good. This is another young guy, young player who has become – we’ve talked a lot about Tua and his growth – I think Raekwon has grown a lot as well. Much more comfortable with his surroundings, with his settings, again with his routine, with how he takes care of his body, the things he eats, how much he sleeps,” said Flores.
“I think that’s something that (Director of Player Engagement) Kaleb Thornhill and our player engagement group has done a nice job of helping these guys with their routines and helping them learn how to be professionals. I think that’s something that young players need. They need some guidance on that. I think as an organization we try to help them with that as coaches, as Kaleb and his staff, as a training staff, as a strength and conditioning staff. I think those different groups are kind of coaching these young guys in that area about what are the best things for you to be the best version of yourself on and off the field, and I think our staff has done a nice job of that. But we can talk all we want. The players have to take the information and apply it. I think Raekwon has done a nice job of that and I think he’s making improvement and we need to continue to make more improvement.”
Early returns in the preseason seem to indicate that Davis is well on his way. He’s physically imposed his will on Dolphins centers in practice and opposing centers alike while manning the nose of Miami’s front. And if that improvement continues, we’ll know that the Dolphins won’t be surprised to see it come together after a successful offseason for the second-year defensive tackle.
