WCG’s lead draft analyst spoke with one of the top defensive tackles in the 2024 NFL Draft.
After a career which saw him earn three first-team All-ACC nominations, one second-team nomination, a national championship appearance and five years of starting tape, Clemson defensive tackle Tyler Davis has one of the best resumes at his position in the 2024 NFL Draft class.
An athletic nose tackle with proven pass-rushing production and the power needed to stop the run, Davis has been a consistent force on a Tigers defensive line that has seen several of his former teammates move on to the NFL level. He hopes to follow in their footsteps and figures to do exactly that next week.
Windy City Gridiron spoke with Davis about his Clemson career, going through the pre-draft process with fellow Clemson defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro, his approach as a pass-rusher, and more.
JI: You accomplished a lot in college. What’s your favorite moment from your time at Clemson?
TD: I will say the camaraderie with my teammates; I enjoyed that about playing there. The wins, the late-night plane rides, the bus rides with my teammates, having fun, laughing and stuff like that.
JI: It has to feel like an honor to play such a big role at a blue-chip program like that.
TD: It means a lot, going there and winning three ACC championships, getting a chance to play in the National Championship…learning how to win was always a big thing. I’m definitely glad that [I got to learn] the small things lead you to big things, understanding that it’s the small things that will make you lose a game.
JI: You and Ruke have been killing it up the middle the past few years. As you’re both entering the NFL at the same time, what does it mean to be going through all the same stuff along with him?
TD: It feels great, knowing we’re both going through the same process. We’ve been helping each other out. We always got that little accountability partner to help each other. If I’m struggling or he’s struggling, we always depend on each other and stuff like that. It’s great just to have this person to go [through the pre-draft process] with you.
JI: How was your experience going down to the Senior Bowl?
TD: Oh man, it was great. Jim Nagy definitely [made it] a great game to go to. It’s a great experience to compete with the best of the best. I really enjoyed it.
JI: Nose tackles and 1-techs don’t have the sexiest jobs. What goes into that mentality of embracing your role of doing the dirty work up the middle?
TD: I’m not into the recognition. I care about the team winning, and that’s the end goal to everything. If the team wins, no matter what role we play, I’m doing my job. The team, we’re playing to win, [and if we win] I’m happy with that. I don’t care what role is played 0 [tech] nose or 1-technique or 3-technique, I get the job done.
JI: What’s your process like determining what move you’re going to use to win at the line of scrimmage?
TD: I’m usually watching it on film, so if I have somebody that wants to jump at me, I’m gonna normally use a quicker move. [For] somebody that likes to be patient and wait, in my opinion, go ahead and attack them, and then work and move on to that off the top of the rush. It just depends on what I’d be looking at on film.
JI: How do you like to spend your free time outside of football?
TD: Relaxing, just playing the game, going outside, taking a walk or riding the bike. We’re on the bike and stuff like that. Just chill stuff.
JI: Has it set in for you yet that you’re gonna actually be in Madden soon?
TD: Man, it’s not setting in yet. I’ve been playing Madden since I was 11, so I can’t wait to see how I look.
JI: Let’s say I’m an NFL general manager. What would I be getting if I drafted you to my team?
TD: You’ll get somebody that’s committed, somebody that’s gonna be ready to lead; I’m a two-time captain. [You’ll get] somebody you can trust on and off the field. I would say somebody that you know is gonna do their job; I have a high motor. I’m bringing a lot of energy, and I’m gonna really be a spark plug for your team.
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