Wisconsin Football: WR Danny Davis “Acclimating Nicely” with Packers

Training camp practices are underway for several former Wisconsin Football players who are in their first NFL season. This includes Danny Davis, who stayed in-state by signing with the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent following the 2022 NFL Draft.

Davis was, of course, a mainstay in the Wisconsin offense for five seasons at the receiver position. He finished his career in the run-heavy Wisconsin offense by catching 65% of his 181 targets at 12.6 yards per catch with 11 touchdowns per PFF ($$).

He would also grade out fairly well as a run-blocker, according to PFF’s grading system, which is an important element for any wide receiver in Matt LaFleur’s offense.

Although the Packers have their question marks at the receiver position, the ceiling for Davis in his rookie season is very likely making the practice squad. Despite the unknowns, this is a very crowded wide receiver room.

In LaFleur’s first three seasons as head coach, the Packers have never rostered more than six receivers on their initial 53-man–including one year where they only kept five.

Right now, six of those roster spots are already likely accounted for by Allen Lazard, Randall Cobb, Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, Sammy Watkins, and Amari Rodgers. Then there is still seventh-round pick Samori Toure, along with Juwann Winfree and Malik Taylor, who both have some NFL experience with the Packers.

Former Wisconsin Football wide receiver, Danny Davis, is off to a good start at Packers’ training camp.

Now two training camp practices in, Davis is off to a strong start and making a good first impression. According to Andy Herman of Packer Report, who has been in attendance at these practices, Davis has “acclimated himself nicely,” with a few impressive catches, including one for a touchdown from Jordan Love while another was a leaping grab over the middle of the field.

Prior to the 2022 NFL Draft, Tony Pauline of Pro Football Network would call Davis a “physically talented” wide receiver who has a smooth release off the line of scrimmage. He also complimented his ability to adjust on poor throws and noted his effort as a blocker. On the flip side, Pauline also mentioned that Davis “lacks deep burst” and that he was “inconsistent”–although so was the quarterback play at Wisconsin.

Looking ahead, there is obviously a long ways to go, and things will kick up a few notches once the pads come on in practice and the preseason begins. Not to mention that, as LaFleur told reporters on Thursday, “anyone can do something one day. Can you be consistent? Can you make those incremental improvements?”

Davis will need to continue building upon these performances because even when it comes to making the practice squad, that isn’t a given either. But with that said, it never hurts to make a good first impression, which is what Davis has been doing.