Eagles DT Jordan Davis promises to ‘get freaky’ on the field with his fellow Georgia Bulldogs this season
The Eagles first-round pick from a year ago, DT Jordan Davis, had a quiet rookie season in 2022. With the departure of Javon Hargrave in free agency, Davis’ role in Sean Desai’s defense should increase substantially. In his own words, he’s ready to “get freaky” on the field in 2023.
Davis’ rookie campaign was essentially a redshirt year. He saw some playing time, logging 26 percent of the team’s defensive snaps, but with veterans like Fletcher Cox, Hargrave, Ndamukong Suh, and Linval Joseph in place, Davis didn’t have the impact he was hoping for in year one.
Davis joined the Eagles with one of his fellow Georgia Bulldogs last season, LB Nakobe Dean. Dean saw even less playing time, logging just 34 defensive snaps on the season. Being a rookie in the NFL is never easy; Davis and Dean know that all too well.
With three more Bulldogs joining the roster this offseason in Jalen Carter, Nolan Smith, and Kelee Ringo, Davis shared some pointed advice for the rookies during OTAs this past week.
“It’s hard,” David told reporters when asked about his rookie experience. “I’m not gonna sugarcoat it … You know, it’s gonna be hard for them and that’s what we’re here for. You know, they’re in a hotel (for OTAs and training camp). That weighs a toll on your body. It’s like being trapped and seeing the same four walls. So anytime I can go over there and get those boys out … just to show them around the city, the places that I’ve been in this past year, and going out to explore more places.”
“I know what it’s like to be a rookie. So I know how it is when the walls are closing in. Hey, you just need to escape. So I offer my apartment. I offer a ride if they need to go somewhere or they want to get something to eat.”
Eagles’ second-year DT on playing with his Georgia teammates
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Mental fortitude is paramount in nearly every profession. As a member of the Philadelphia Eagles, there will be eyes on you at all times. Through the good and the bad times.
Having guys like Davis and Dean who’ve already gone through the rigors of being a rookie in the NFL should only help the transition for Carter, Smith, and Ringo. With the camaraderie between these Georgia alums, they’ll be able to lean on each other when need be.
“We’re brothers, so it’s not like a mentor-mentee role,” Davis said. “It’s more like a brotherhood.”
Coming off the loss in Super Bowl 57, the Eagles front office did a marvelous job keeping their strong foundation together, while adding a lot of youthful talent through the NFL Draft.
We know what we’re going to get out of the offense with Jalen Hurts leading the charge. The success of the defense depends heavily on how good the Georgia kids are this season. No one doubts the potential they all bring to the table. If Davis and his fellow Bulldogs do in fact “get freaky” in 2023, another trip to the Super Bowl is certainly plausible.
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Mandatory Credit: USA Today Sports
