Will Raekwon Davis Take Godchaux’s Job?
Does Davon Godchaux have a future with the Phins?
The only highlight of the Miami Dolphins 2017 Draft is Defensive Tackle Davon Godchaux… and he is in the final year of his rookie contract. Will Miami give Godchaux the big extension he’s looking for at the end of the season or let walk in Free Agency? Godchaux’s lack of pass rush, good but not great run defense, along with the selection of Raekwon Davis doesn’t bode well for the Phins to pay big money to keep him. Getting More From Your Sports Betting Experience With the Use of Pay Per Head Casino Software.
Still, Godchaux could turn on the gas to earn a fat FA contract have a ‘career year’. Maybe that would change things? So, I won’t completely dismiss the possibility of Godchaux returning in 2021. But, I wouldn’t bet on it with the best pay per head reviews, either.
Good isn’t great and certainly not worth overpaying
Davon Godchaux followed up a promising rookie campaign with a big step forward as a sophomore. The future looked very bright for the 5th Round pick. In 2018, as a penetrating DT playing mostly in 3-Tech, Godchaux generated 48 tackles with 31 solos, 6 tackles for loss, 4 QB hits, and a sack, which earned him a 72.7 PFF grade. Heading into the 2019 Season, most fans expected Godchaux to be an anchor inside through at least his second contract.
When Brian Flores took over the Phins, he asked Godchaux to do more than just attack. Godchaux’s new role required him to play inside far more as a Nose Guard in the 0-2 technique and gave him 2-Gap responsibilities.
To his credit, even though Godchaux wasn’t overjoyed with these new assignments, he committed to the job. Phins news thought he’d hit the ground running… We were wrong. Godchaux was average at best unless he was getting upfield by shooting a gap. Now, he wasn’t terrible in his new roles, but his overall impact took a step back, especially in gap protection.
Miami has two rookies to fill Godchaux’s role in 2021
In 2020 Godchaux’s stat line fell to 40 tackles with 26 solo, 1 tackle for loss, 3 QB hits, a forced fumble, and pass defended. These stats wouldn’t be awful if he had been better in his 2-Gap role. But, PFF gave Godchaux an overall grade of 64.1, which evaluates how a player handles their responsibilities along with stats. Godchaux was ranked 79th in the league at his position. That’s not good enough for a big extension.
A lot of this stat decline is about his switch gap responsibilities. Defensive linemen in 2-Gap can’t be judged on just their stats because their role is to occupy O-linemen so others can make plays. But too often Godchaux didn’t control his gaps and let opposing O-linemen get to the linebackers.
Another big problem was his lack of pass rush, which was graded 54.2 by PFF. A two-dimensional player must dominate in one phase of the game if he isn’t good at another. Consider how well rookie Christian Wilkins played compared to the 3-year veteran Godchaux.
Raekwon Davis can replace Godchaux in 2021
Coach Gonzalez92 did a good job at breaking down Raekwon Davis
Davis is big, strong, and able to anchor a 2-Gap, so at the very least he can be a cheaper version of Godchaux on run downs. Davis, Wilkins, and a draft pick in 2021 will be more than cover the loss of Godchaux should they move on from him.
Sometimes players aren’t a great fit for a system
Godchaux isn’t a bad player or a poor draft pick, he’s just better suited for another defensive system. I expect him to have success outside of Miami and that shouldn’t bother Phins fans. He’ll be too expensive to sign as a Free Agent for this level of production. The reality is unless things change, Godchaux is an average, two-down player in this system and Miami can do better. Go Phins!!! — Why Should You Use PPH Casino Software?
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2 completely different players …
Raekwon Davis is a 3/4 DTackle (outside)
Devon Godchaux is either a 4/3 DTackle or a 3/4 NGaurd.
Apples & Oranges.
GG, I’d agree on different, but not completely. Raekwon played 0, 1i,1, and 2-5 in college as there are many similarities in Saban and Belichick/ Flores defense. The fireplug NT is over in a speed and space game of today. I’d agree he is built like a Richard Seymore for a 3-4 DE… and he’ll play there, too. Wilkens, Zeiler, and Raekwon can play all the roles interchangeably. Godchaux can’t… or at least hasn’t shown it enough for a huge contract. Maybe that will change this year. Raekwon will allow Miami to move on from overpaying a Godchaux who is very limited, but good in his specific skillset. Flores wants versatility. I think Seiler will get re-upped as well and they’ll draft another DT in the first three rounds next year. If Raekwon can show pass rush, then they’ll swing him outside more and find someone to take more time from him inside. Godchaux is a clear 1 gap player. Raekwon has shown to be both. Quality 2-gap is essential in this defense Seiler and Wilkens showed they were better than Godchaux in those roles. Godchaux is decent at 2-gap. That’s not enough for a huge contract. Maybe he takes a home discount… but I doubt that because I think he wants to be in a 1-gap system. In a conventional system yes, Raekwon would be a 4-3 NT or run side DE in a 3-4. This system is another animal. It’s assignment based. Godchaux’s limitations pigeonholed the defense at times and the rotation. I expect Raekwon to see equal or more time 0-2 than 3-5. But, you may be right… we’ll see brother. At least I hope… things are crazy these days, so until Week 1 comes, you never know. Be well and thanks for the comments.