2017 Senior Bowl Spotlight: Bucknell OT Julie’n Davenport

With Senior Bowl activities underway, one FCS standout in Bucknell’s Julie’n Davenport is hoping to prove himself as one of the top offensive tackles in the 2017 NFL draft.

Scouts and media members around the country have traveled to Mobile, Alabama this week to get a look at all of the 2017 NFL draft prospects invited to this year’s Senior Bowl. Some players from smaller programs, like former Bucknell offensive tackle Julie’n Davenport, are looking to stand out throughout the week.

Most casual NFL draft followers haven’t heard of Davenport, but the 6-foot-7, 304-pound offensive tackle will turn plenty of heads at the Senior Bowl. Davenport was a three-time First-Team All-Patriots League selection and two-year captain while starting all 44 games in his college career.

Before he ever played a snap for the Bison, Davenport was a two-sport athlete at Paulsboro High School, playing both football and basketball. That experience as a big man in the paint helped Davenport hone some of his skills on the football field.

“Playing offensive tackle is like playing defense in basketball,” Davenport told Saturday Blitz. “You have to keep your feet moving and use your hands effectively.”

Of course, given his size and massive wingspan, Davenport says that he drew a few more fouls than he probably should have.

“Maybe the referees around the area were a little intimidated by my size,” Davenport joked.

Davenport chose Bucknell coming out of Paulsboro mainly because of academics, but he quickly realized that this was a place that he could get an education while honing his skills as an offensive tackle.

“When I took my initial visit there, I just felt at home,” Davenport said.

Of all of the accomplishments Davenport has under his belt from his time with the Bison, the one that stands out the most is that the Bison offensive tackle started every single game in his college career. That durability is something that Davenport takes pride in, and something that scouts will definitely take note of.

“I’ve always made sure to take care of my body,” Davenport said. “To be able to play and practice pretty much every day as a leader on this team, I had to make sure that I was on the field.”

Scouts will also pay attention to the fact that Davenport belongs in a family that has also produced two NBA players. Davenport is cousins with two recent first-round NBA draft picks in Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, and Davenport has some of that athleticism in his game.

“Those cousins were first rounders, and that’s what we’re shooting for [with Davenport],” said Don Povia, Davenport’s marketing an PR advisor.

Even if Davenport isn’t a first-round pick, he’s at least hoping to be the first FCS player taken in the draft, with guys like Eastern Washington receiver Cooper Kupp being the competition. Still, regardless of where he goes, Davenport knows that he’s going to be overlooked by a lot of teams.

“You’ve got some people who just doubt you and think that because of the school you’re from that you can’t make it,” Davenport said. “It’s definitely pushed me to work even harder and given me some added motivation throughout my career.”

Above all else, the Senior Bowl will be an opportunity for Davenport to stand out as one of the most talented offensive tackles in this draft class, and he is looking forward to the opportunity this week.

“I just want to work hard and try to overacheive at everything,” Davenport said. “I want to turn a few heads and shock people as I go through this process.”