Davion Stockard NFL Draft Profile and Scouting Report
Davion Stockard Scouting Report: Linebacker, Central Methodist
2023 NFL Draft Measurements
5’11” 225 lbs.
Davion Stockard 40 time: 4.6 (estimate)
There’s so much talent in football. Two new proffesional leagues just started up and there were talented players available to fill two leagues. In college football, FCS, Division II and Division III players just don’t get the respect, or the attention, they deserve. That’s why I’m here, to point out the standouts of the lesser known schools.
Davion Stockard Draft Profile
Senior Season at Central Methodist
117 tackles, 3 sacks, 6 forced fumbles, 3 fumbles recovered. Six forced fumbles is a school record and was the most in the nation.
Strengths
Game Changer
Six forced fumbles in a season, that’s insane. He’s forcing a turnover every other game. Add in a blocked punt for good measure as well. It’s not breaking news that turnovers are game changers. At every level of football they preach about winning the turnover battle. Stockard is always looking to put a hit on the ball carrier in a way that forces them to lose their grip. I can’t think of a player I’ve seen that’s better at stripping the ball away. Stockard is ripping at the ball every single play. He also had multiple interceptions at the JUCO level.
Three Down Linebacker
Stockard is strong against the run and the pass. Against the pass, he’s a strong pass rusher who posseses the added benefit of forcing a fumble from the quarterback. He’s also solid in pass coverage. He had interceptions while in JUCO and seven pass breakups at Central Methodist. He also forced fumbles from receivers when making the tackle after a reception.
Stockard is all over the run. You would suspect a guy with 117 tackles would be good at stopping the run, and you’d be right. He moves around offensive lineman with ease to get to the ball carrier. He makes a lot of these plays behind the line of scrimmage, which is confirmed by his 10.5 tackles for loss.
Awareness
Davion is excellent at diagnosing the play during the pre snap and consistently makes the right read. I was really impressed with how he didn’t bite on play fakes, but was always on the running back when it was an actual run. However he differentiates between a play fake and a run is very impressive. I’d be fascinated to know how he does it so consistently.
Non-Stop Motor
I could really just point to his 117 tackles, but Stockard is always giving 100 percent when he’s on the field. Some of those six forced fumbles are based on Stockard not giving up on plays. He’s coming in full speed while his teammate is tackling a receiver or running back, and he’s going right for the ball. He’s chasing down receivers after a catch while also looking for the fumble. Stockard is everywhere on the field.
Davion Stockard NFL Draft Stock
Right now, I would expect Stockard to go undrafted, but it’s possible a scout sees him and makes him a day 3 pick. The University of Missouri is allowing Stockard at their pro day, so that bodes well for his future.
Final Thoughts on Davion Stockard
Stockard is a nonstop tackling and turnover machine. He plays smart and takes advantage of every opportunity. Hardworking positive leader that any team would love to have in the locker room and playing on the field for them. He’s truly a hidden gem.
Davion Stockard NFL Comparison
Buffalo Bills linebacker Matt Milano. A little undersized, but makes up for it with tenacity, intelligence and fantastic tackling. Very similar athletic abilities as well.
