Georgia Rookies Fit, Concerns and Predictions: Defense
Davin Bellamy
Pick: Undrafted
Team: Houston Texans
Fit:
Rounding out Georgia’s trio of linebackers, Davin Bellamy was the mouthpiece of the defense. He was a solid contributor that brought energy to the defense. He is most famous forever for his telling a reporter that Baker Mayfield should “humble [yourself]” following Georgia’s thrilling Rose Bowl victory over the Oklahoma Sooners.
Bellamy expected to be a late-round draft pick. Going undrafted isn’t too shocking, but Bellamy took offense and had a few things to say on Twitter.
He signed with the Houston Texans after the draft. In a 3-4 defense, the Texans have a need for more linebackers, which gives Bellamy a chance to stay on the squad.
Bellamy has good size and showed good closing speed in his games. His long arms are an asset in the run and pass defense.
The Texans won’t be looking for a starter or necessarily a second stringer at linebacker in Bellamy. they don’t need to. Bellamy could be a third or fourth stringer on the bench while learning from Jadeveon Clowney, Whitney Mercilus and J.J Watt.
Concerns:
Like Lorenzo Carter, Bellamy lacks the muscle of a typical outside linebacker. Unlike Carter, Bellamy doesn’t have the speed, agility, and athleticism to offset that deficiency.
He’s a decent tackler, but getting around blockers may be a challenge if he can’t bulk up. Open field tackles against speedier running backs like Alvin Kamara and Kareem Hunt will also pose issues.
Houston linebackers are well known for their pass rushing capabilities. Whitney Mercilus lives up to his last name. Jadeveon Clowney was a monster in college and has refocused his pass rush in the NFL to put himself in contention as an elite rusher. And, oh yeah, J.J Watt should be returning from injury to play all over the front seven.
Why does all the matter? The Texans will look for someone who has potential as a pass rusher in case of injury. Bellamy simply doesn’t fit the bill. He has enough skill set to remain intriguing but must find a way to set himself apart from the crowd in Training Camp.
Prediction:
Bellamy has swagger and confidence for days. That confidence will land him on a roster somewhere, but not in Houston.
The Texans have more than enough outside linebackers and Bellamy will be a victim of too much competition.
Whether due to injury or due to flashing potential, another team will take a flyer on him to land on someone’s bench. He’ll have to flash more than a potential to stay in the league long term.