New York Giants rookie offensive lineman J.C. Davis delivered a full workload in Saturday’s 26-3 preseason victory over the Miami Dolphins, logging a team-leading 81 offensive snaps at left tackle in the South Florida heat.
The sixth-round pick from Illinois finished with an 89.3 overall Pro Football Focus grade, including an 87.1 mark in pass protection and 87.0 in the run game. He allowed zero sacks, QB hits, hurries, or pressures across 46 pass-blocking snaps despite facing 44 pressure opportunities.
Davis said he did not sleep on the plane ride home.
“I usually don’t sleep on the plane, so I didn’t sleep on the plane at all. I was up the whole time," he told reporters on Monday.
But boy oh boy, did the heat in Miami stand out.
"I don't remember
the last time -- I think the last time I played a game that hot had to be when I was in New Mexico; we played A&M, I think. So, it’s (been) a minute before I played in something like that, but we (were) prepared," he said. "We (were) hydrating all week, so we knew it was going to be hot. We had practice out there Thursday, so we (were) well prepared for it."
Ahead of the game, veterans like offensive tackle Andrew Thomas offered Davis simple advice.
"I mean, it's not like I haven't played a full game before, but they just told me, just be you. Play football. Don't stress it; it is what it is. Just play football," he said. “I think it was a great opportunity for the coaches to see my ability, what I could do at left tackle, and I think it went pretty good. Of course, I’ve got things to improve on, but overall, it was a good game. We got the win. That was the most important thing.”
Camp has featured steady progress. After early work with the third team, Davis has earned more second-team reps. Coaches have told him they notice the work while reminding him there is more to improve.
He continues studying left tackle Andrew Thomas.
"As far as watching them, just seeing how different it is -- from being that guy at Illinois almost, but he's that guy in the NFL. He does way different stuff than me, but I'm trying to pick up and learn from him and pick off stuff that he does. Some stuff you can't do what he does. That's him," he said.
Originally projected more as a guard, Davis has embraced the tackle role.
“Coach put me at tackle. That’s what I’ve just been playing at. Wherever the team needs me, I’m going to be at," he said.
Davis’s durability, versatility, and clean performance in Miami strengthened his case as the Giants evaluate final roster decisions.
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: J.C. Davis quietly establishing himself as late-round New York Giants steal
