As fans and players gear up for the 2013 NFL Draft, NFLPE is highlighting former players that have excelled as talent evaluators both in professional and collegiate football in order to get some insight as to how their time the locker room has shaped their approach.
Our next spotlight is Charles Davis, who serves as the lead college football analyst for FOX Sports, and an analyst for the NFL on FOX and NFL Network. Charles played high school football in New Paltz, NY and continued to play at the collegiate level at the University of Tennessee. Charles had an undrafted free agent tryout with the Dallas Cowboys and has since had a successful career in broadcasting.
PE: What made you decide to enter the field of talent evaluation? Talk about your transition into your current role.
Davis: It was assigned to me as part of my role at NFL Network where I am asked to focus on college football, and the NFL Draft. It was new for me as previously I had only called games as an analyst. These duties forced me to learn more football and expanded my knowledge into areas previously unexplored. It is tough, fun, and carries a great deal of responsibility with it, as you are making judgments about players publicly. Not all of it is positive and players are fighting to realize a lifelong dream – playing in the NFL. We must all take care, and keep that in mind during our evaluations.
PE: How does your philosophy on talent evaluation differ from that of a non-former player?
Davis: I’m not sure it does. Ultimately we all watch through our own filters, analyze, and make judgments. My experience as a former player shapes my opinion — non-players will do the same, sans memories of actually playing. That doesn’t make it wrong – some of the best evaluators never played the game, but I like to believe that my past experience offers some help and a well-rounded perspective.
PE: What are some important intangible assets and/or leadership qualities you look for in the athletes you evaluate?
Ability – The best players are able to carry, and distribute the best messages
Confidence – The quiet kind is fine, too
Character – Will seek to do the “right” things in each situation
Responsibility – To team, organization, self
Grit/Toughness – Physical and Mental
Positivity – Bright outlook each day
PE: List a few athletic qualities you look for in players at the following positions:
- Quarterback – Mental capacity, leadership, footwork, decision making, poise under pressure, touch, arm strength
- Running Back – Toughness, vision, understanding of scheme, and defenses, hands, speed
- Defensive Back – Agility, mental toughness, courage/toughness, multi-tasker, hands
You can find Charles’ 2013 Mock Draft picks here at NFL.com