The 49ers selected UCF DT Kalia Davis with pick 220 in the 2022 NFL Draft.

OverviewOne-gapping three-technique with terrific snap quickness that creates early advantages with the potential to become full-scale disruptions. Davis is a former linebacker with above-average bend, foot quickness and athleticism to create mismatches for lumbering guards. He needs more schooling and refinement as both a run defender and pass rusher to become capable of competing against the spectrum of talent he will see on the next level. He hasn’t played much football over the last two seasons, but his explosive flashes could foreshadow a bright upside as a disruptive, upfield talent.

Strengths

• Experience at multiple spots along the defensive front.
• Bendy and athletic for an interior defender.
• Gets off the snap with menacing quickness.
• Gets skinny into gaps for backfield disruption.
• Pivots and swivels for quick block dismissal.
• Rangy with a big closing burst to the ball.
• Explodes into blocker for early pocket push.
• Quick feet help attack both edges of protection.
• Uses slap with hip flip to climb over the top.

Weaknesses

• Hasn’t played much football over last two seasons.
• Opted out of 2020 and suffered season-ending injury in October 2021.
• Lacks proportional build of typical three-technique.
• Narrow base gets him displaced by down blocks.
• Erratic balance through contact.
• Requires more go-to moves and counters as rusher.
• Conditioning issues show up in the second half of games.
• Tall pad level lowers success rate of inside counters.

Sources Tell Us
“A team needs to get him on a good nutrition and conditioning plan so he can be a 60-minute pro. That’s the next step, because he’s got plenty of talent.” — Scouting director for an AFC team