Will Pascoe light a fire under 49ers’ Davis?

By Brad Wilbricht  |   Thursday, May 28, 2009  |  Comments( 2 )

San Francisco 49ers
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Vernon Davis was thought to have all the tools to become a top-flight tight end when he entered the NFL in 2006. However, the former first-round pick has been slowed by injuries and has lacked awareness up to this point in his career. With the addition of new sixth-round pick Bear Pascoe, Davis may be challenged for playing time during the upcoming season.

Davis looked to have turned the corner after a career-best 2007 season, but he regressed last year. After racking up 52 catches for 509 yards, Davis’ output dropped to 31 grabs for 348 yards last season. Working against Davis has been the revolving door at offensive coordinator and quarterback in San Francisco. Davis will be working under his third coordinator in three seasons and is already on his second head coach. Furthermore, Davis has yet to benefit from a consistent signal-caller throwing him the ball.

While Pascoe will likely need time to adjust at the next level, he’s expected to push Davis on the field. Davis is firmly planted atop the 49ers’ depth chart, but that could change if his struggles continue. Pascoe was quite productive as a college player and displays the ability to stretch the field. After being sparsely used as a freshman, Pascoe compiled 107 catches for 1,260 yards during his final three seasons at Fresno State.

With the pieces beginning to fall in place for the 49ers, Davis will have to be a key factor in their offensive success. Davis thrives on underneath routes thanks to his athleticism and his speed enables him get down the field. Because of those traits, Davis can be a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses and must exploit those situations in '09.

As Shaun Hill and Alex Smith battle for the starting spot under center, whoever wins out will be depending on Davis to finally realize his potential. Davis’ physical tools and freakish athletic ability still have San Francisco waiting on him to develop into an elite tight end.

If he doesn't, Pascoe could take his job.
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About Brad Wilbricht

Brad Wilbricht covers numerous sporting events including the NFL, NFL Draft and college football. His analysis is simulcast through several media outlets across the country. Additionally, Brad is a regular guest on a variety of talk radio shows and can be frequently heard on the airwaves. To ...
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