Marcus Davenport wants to be a reliable pass rusher when he rejoins the Detroit Lions.

In the constantly evolving world of the NFL, teams are always looking for ways to bolster their defenses, especially in critical areas like pass rushing. One player poised to make an impact in this area for the Detroit Lions is Marcus Davenport, who has set his sights on becoming a reliable pass rusher after rejoining the team. Known for his raw talent, immense potential, and physical prowess, Davenport’s journey in the NFL has been filled with both promise and challenges. As he looks to find consistency and solidify his role as a dependable pass rusher, the Detroit Lions are banking on his ability to live up to his potential.

In this article, we will take an in-depth look at Marcus Davenport’s career, the challenges he has faced, his potential fit within the Lions’ defense, and how his skill set can help elevate Detroit’s pass rush in the upcoming seasons.

The Early Years: Marcus Davenport’s Introduction to the NFL

Marcus Davenport’s journey to the NFL began in college, where he played for the University of Texas-San Antonio (UTSA). As a standout player for the Roadrunners, Davenport quickly gained attention for his athleticism, size, and ability to disrupt offenses. Standing 6’6” and weighing 265 pounds, Davenport had the physical tools that scouts covet in an edge rusher. Over his three-year college career, he amassed 21.5 sacks, 37 tackles for loss, and 6 forced fumbles—numbers that made him one of the most intriguing pass rushers in the 2018 NFL Draft class.

Davenport’s potential was evident, and in 2018, he was selected by the New Orleans Saints with the 14th overall pick in the first round. The Saints were hoping to add a dynamic edge rusher to their defense, and Davenport fit the bill perfectly. He possessed the burst off the line of scrimmage, the length to keep blockers at bay, and the raw strength to challenge even the best offensive tackles. Davenport was seen as a player with high upside but needed time to develop his technique and consistency.

Davenport’s Time with the New Orleans Saints

Davenport’s rookie season with the Saints showed flashes of the talent that made him a first-round pick. He appeared in 13 games and started in 9 of them, tallying 4.5 sacks and 6 tackles for loss. While these numbers weren’t eye-popping, they highlighted Davenport’s ability to make an impact as a pass rusher in his first season. His physical attributes were evident, but his technique and ability to generate consistent pressure were still works in progress.

Over the next few years, Davenport continued to develop in New Orleans. In 2019, he registered 6 sacks and played a more prominent role in the Saints’ defensive line rotation. However, his progress was hindered by injuries, which would become a recurring issue throughout his career. In each of his first three seasons, Davenport battled injuries that limited his playing time and prevented him from reaching his full potential. Despite the setbacks, Davenport’s flashes of brilliance—particularly as a pass rusher—kept his promise intact.

In 2021, Davenport’s play reached a new level as he started to put everything together. He finished the season with 9 sacks, 16 quarterback hits, and 4 forced fumbles. It was by far his most productive season, and it showed the potential Davenport had when healthy and fully engaged. Yet, even with this breakout season, the Saints still had concerns about his injury history, as Davenport had missed a few games due to various ailments during that year.

While Davenport’s talent was undeniable, the inconsistency in his play—due to injuries and a lack of sustained dominance—prevented him from becoming a consistent top-tier pass rusher. His potential was never truly in question, but his reliability and ability to stay on the field were concerns.

Marcus Davenport’s Move to the Detroit Lions

In a significant move during the 2024 NFL offseason, Marcus Davenport signed with the Detroit Lions. For a Lions team that has struggled with pass rushing consistency in recent years, the signing of Davenport was seen as an opportunity to add a talented, high-upside player to their defensive front. The Lions have been on the rise in recent seasons, with a promising young core and a high-powered offense, but their defense has often held them back, particularly in the area of pass rushing.

The Lions’ pass rush has been a point of emphasis under head coach Dan Campbell. While they’ve had solid contributors like Aidan Hutchinson, who emerged as a promising edge rusher, the team has lacked a reliable second option on the other side of the line. Marcus Davenport’s arrival was seen as a chance to fill that void and provide the Lions with another player capable of generating consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

Davenport’s signing was part of the Lions’ larger strategy of improving their defense, which ranked near the bottom of the league in total sacks over the past few seasons. In 2023, the Lions finished with just 38 sacks, ranking 24th in the league. While Hutchinson was a standout performer, the lack of a second pass rusher consistently created issues for the Lions’ defense, as offenses could focus their attention on Hutchinson and limit his effectiveness.

By bringing in Davenport, the Lions were hoping to give Hutchinson a running mate who could draw attention away from him and allow the entire defensive line to benefit from increased opportunities to rush the quarterback. Davenport’s athleticism, strength, and potential to create pressure on opposing quarterbacks made him a highly valued asset for the Lions.

Why Marcus Davenport’s Development is Key for the Lions

For the Lions, Marcus Davenport’s success is contingent on his ability to overcome the injury concerns that have plagued him throughout his career. When healthy, Davenport has proven that he can be a game-changer. His combination of size, speed, and power makes him a difficult player for offensive tackles to handle. If Davenport can stay on the field and remain consistent, he has the potential to be the reliable pass rusher the Lions need.

But consistency is the key. Davenport’s career thus far has been marked by flashes of excellence—moments where he’s shown why he was once a first-round draft pick—but he’s yet to string together a season where he is consistently dominant. In order to be the reliable pass rusher that the Lions are hoping for, Davenport will need to maintain his health and develop his pass-rushing technique to become a more consistent presence on the field.

One area where Davenport can improve is his ability to convert pressure into sacks. While Davenport has shown a knack for generating quarterback hits and creating pressure in the backfield, he has sometimes struggled to finish those plays with sacks. If Davenport can refine his pass-rushing moves and become more efficient at converting pressure into tangible results, it would make him a more dangerous weapon for the Lions’ defense.

Additionally, Davenport will need to become a more disciplined player. His natural talent and athleticism have often been enough to overwhelm offensive tackles, but at times, his pass rush has lacked the refinement needed to consistently win battles. Working with Lions defensive line coach John Scott Jr., Davenport will have the opportunity to improve his technique and refine his understanding of how to beat offensive linemen with a variety of moves, such as speed rushes, power moves, and counterattacks.

What Davenport Brings to the Detroit Lions’ Defense

If Marcus Davenport can tap into his potential, he would provide several key benefits to the Detroit Lions’ defense:

1. Pass Rush Ability: Davenport is a player who can provide immediate help in the pass-rush department. His ability to get after the quarterback with speed and power makes him an ideal complement to Aidan Hutchinson, who has quickly become the focal point of the Lions’ defensive line.
2. Physicality: Davenport is a powerful, physical player who can overpower offensive linemen. His strength allows him to push through blockers and create pressure on the quarterback, even when he’s not coming off the edge with blazing speed.
3. Run Defense: While Davenport’s primary role is as a pass rusher, he is also a capable run defender. His size and strength make him an asset against the run, and his ability to set the edge will help the Lions defend against outside runs and plays designed to attack the edges of the defense.
4. Mentorship for Young Pass Rushers: Davenport’s presence in the Lions’ locker room and defensive line room will also be invaluable for younger players. Aidan Hutchinson, who is still developing as a pass rusher, will benefit from Davenport’s experience and the opportunity to learn from someone who has been through the ups and downs of an NFL career. Davenport’s leadership can help elevate the entire defensive front.