Falcons selected Auburn DE Marlon Davidson with the No. 47 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.
The first true freshmen to start on the defensive line in Auburn’s season opener since 1985, Davidson (6’3/303) doesn’t lack for experience after making 51 starts with the Tigers, leading the team in tackles for loss (12.5) and sacks (7.5) as a senior. He rotated between being a stand-up edge rusher and hand-in-the-dirt interior lineman throughout his career but did check into Indy’s combine with an additional 20 pounds on his frame to account for any transition to three-technique tackle. Davis has the raw strength and signature rip-move to win against offensive tackles and tight ends at the next level immediately. Unfortunately, he’s not going to catch high-end competition off guard with his slower burst around the edge, thus profiling as an average starter. Davidson will likely play defensive end with the Falcons, rotating with John Cominsky and Allen Bailey across from Takk McKinley.