NFL News & Analysis

Premium Content Sign Up

PFF scouting report: Davon Godchaux, DT, LSU

GREEN BAY, WI - SEPTEMBER 03: Davon Godchaux #57 of the LSU Tigers awaits the snap against the Wisconsin Badgers at Lambeau Field on September 3, 2016 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Name: Davon Godchaux

School: LSU

Position fit: Played 5-technique at LSU, developmental pass-rusher in the NFL

Stats to know: Amassed 74 combined pressures (14 sacks, 15 hits and 45 hurries) in his final two years in college.

What he does best:

  • Dangerous pass-rusher, recorded 17 knockdowns and 32 total pressures in 2017.
  • Refined pass-rush technique, possesses a range of finesse moves to get into the backfield.
  • Displays good hand placement to maintain spacing with offensive lineman attempting to kick slide.
  • Shows decent bend and ability to change direction in the backfield.
  • Good awareness, consistently tracks QB movement in pocket and intended running lanes.
  • Moves well laterally, can disengage with a jump step to find free lanes to the quarterback.

Biggest concern:

  • Strength can be an issue, frequently forced to retreat at the POA.
  • Manhandled consistently by single blocks, gives ground consistently widening running lanes.
  • Struggled against solo tight end blocks, not a good look for an interior defensive lineman.
  • Allowed himself to be reached from 5-technique by a backside tight end on one ugly rep.
  • Doesn’t always display maximum effort when battling multiple blockers.
  • Poor balance against double teams, has to sink low to generate traction which often leads to overextension.
  • Wound up on the deck time after time.
  • Not particularly explosive, slow reaction times.

Player comparison: Cullen Jenkins, Washington Redskins

Cullen Jenkins was an undrafted project out of Central Michigan, requiring some added bulk to forge a career in the NFL. He was also a good athlete, who offered tantalising upside as a pass-rusher in the nickel. Godchaux fits a similar mold.

Bottom line: While he made strides last season, Godchaux has not been great against the run throughout his career and he’ll have to make his mark as a pass-rusher in the NFL. He’s been one of the more efficient pass-rushers in the nation over the last three years, and he has a chance to rush the passer in nickel and dime situations while working to improve his work in the run game.

DOMINATE FANTASY FOOTBALL & BETTING WITH AI-POWERED DATA & TOOLS TRUSTED BY ALL 32

Unlimited Fantasy League Sync
Fantasy Start/Sit Line-Up Optimizer & Waiver Wire
WR-CB & OL-DL Matchups, PFF Player Grades, & Premium Stats 2.0 Tools
Nathan Jahnkes Rankings - #1 Most Accurate Last 70 Weeks
PFF Best Bets, Player Props, & Power Ranking Tools
NFL Mock Draft Sim with Trades & Draft Grades

Already have a subscription? Log In

Subscriptions

Unlock the 2023 Fantasy Draft Kit, with League Sync, Live Draft Assistant, PFF Grades & Data Platform that powers all 32 Pro Teams

$31 Draft Kit Fee + $8.99/mo
OR
$89.88/yr + FREE Draft Kit