Rookie Profile: Isaiah Davis, Running Back, New York Jets
Welcome to the Rookie Profile: Isaiah Davis, a 3-star running back recruit from Joplin, Missouri. At Joplin High School, Davis was honored as the Missouri Gatorade Player of the Year. In his senior season, he accumulated 2,283 yards on the ground and 45 touchdowns on 253 carries, added another 220 yards and 2 TDs on 19 receptions, and even recorded 52 tackles on defense.
Davis committed to South Dakota State out of high school and player there for his entire college career. As a Jackrabbit, Davis was impressive from the beginning, eclipsing 900 yards as a freshman on just over 100 touches. But it was as a junior when Davis broke out, becoming the workhorse for the Jackrabbits that carried over to his senior season. In his final two collegiate years, Davis amassed over 3000 rushing yards, adding almost another 400 receiving yards and found the end zone a total of 34 times.
Though competition was poor, Davis still managed to shine in a workhorse role. He even held his own at the NFL Combine, posting an 8.34 RAS. Davis has the skill and experience to become a rotational NFL back if given the opportunity.
Measurables
Draft Capital & Landing Spot
Draft Capital- Round 5, Pick 173 Overall
- A relative unknown for the average draftnik, Davis surprised with a very good all-around showing at the NFL Combine. Day 3 draft capital isn’t rock solid, but it is comforting to know that he was deemed draft-able. Additionally, he went in the same range as Rasheen Ali, Tyrone Tracy and Kimani Vidal, all of whom are considered late-round fantasy sleepers.
Landing Spot- New York Jets
- Unfortunately, Davis is buried in New York, behind two, maybe three better backs. We know Breece Hall is the clear number one, while 20-year-old Braelon Allen is already receiving praise in camp. With Izzy Abanikanda looking serviceable last season, Davis will provide depth but likely not much more in the short and long term in New York.
Team Depth Chart
Expected Role: Developmental Running Back
Depth Chart via Fantasy Pros
Fantasy Impact
Isaiah Davis has little fantasy relevance at all after landing in one of the youngest and more crowded RB rooms in the NFL. Breece Hall is just 23. Davis himself is actually the oldest of the three backups on the team at 22. It’s just a poor spot for a promising prospect, who now faces an uphill battle for anything beyond usage on special teams.
I’m not even stashing him. There is no value here, even in the deepest of dynasty leagues.
Check out our 2024 Rookie Rankings Page for a full breakdown of this rookie class.
