The thing I liked about Davis is he was very, VERY productive in college. I always thought Zo was a zero in college (and the combine) and was only picked because Cowher "Liked the twinkle in his eye" or something like that.
Agreed. My point of comparison is UCLA DE Dave Ball, likewise productive (30.5 career sacks), projected round 2-3, went in 5, has bounced from the Bolts to the Titans, not much showing in the bigs. Two inches taller and about 20# heavier coming out may have hurt, rather than helped. Ball is stuck as an undersized motor guy, DE in a 4-3, where he'll likely stay. Ball was a 5.07 speed type end, whereas Davis ran 4.78 at Indy. Smaller, faster.
BTW, Davis is second to Ball on the UCLA sacks list (29.0), and his 42.5 tackles for a loss are close behind Ball's 43.5. Carnell Lake had 45.5 to hold that Bruins stat record.
Ball was never gonna have the 3-4 OLB mobility, though.
Let's compare another guy. Came out as a DE. 6'2" 266#, ran a 2.74. 25 sacks but 50.5 TFL. That would be Davis's bookend at OLB, Lamarr Woodley. Bigger, same timed speed, but Davis looks to play faster. Good weak side fit to Wood's SS.
James Harrison is 6'0" (maybe), 242#. Might run 4.7~ish, or might be higher. Great motor. Davis, another motor guy, 6'3", 252#, and could add some easily.
In a way, it's not like Davis would be the speed to Wood's power, it's more like he's a slightly trimmer, zippier version, but still pretty big. Bigger than Harrison.
