Summary

Akeem Davis‑Gaither was selected in the 4th round (107th overall) of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals. ESPN.com He played college football at Appalachian State University, where in 2019 he earned Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Year honors and was First‑Team All‑Sun Belt. Over his NFL career (through 2025), Davis‑Gaither has appeared in many games, totaling 228 combined tackles, 0.5 sacks, 2 interceptions, 2 forced fumbles, and 14 passes defended per NFL.com. NFL.com He is known for his athleticism, coverage ability, sideline‑to‑sideline speed, and competitive toughness. His character has been praised for his steady work ethic and team-first mentality.

Strengths

• Good Range & Athleticism: At 6′2″, 238 lb, he combines size with speed to cover a lot of ground. ESPN.com

• Coverage Flexibility: He can drop into coverage effectively (versus backs or tight ends) and defend passes — has PDEF and INT production. CBS Sports

• Tackling Production: Has racked up a solid number of tackles in his career, showing willingness to make plays all over the field. NFL.com

• Instincts / Play Recognition: Demonstrates good feel for where to go, identifies run vs pass, and makes the right reads.

• Big-Play Potential: Has created turnovers, forced fumbles, and shown playmaking ability in coverage. Stats Crew

• Durability / Availability: Has played in nearly every game over multiple seasons, showing reliability. NFL.com

• Character / Leadership: Known as a high-motor, hard-working player; his journey from App State to the NFL shows grit.

Weaknesses

• Limited Pass-Rush Impact: Very few sacks in his NFL career (0.5), suggesting he is not a regular edge blitzer. CBS Sports

• Physicality vs Power: May struggle against very heavy, powerful blockers due to his leaner frame.

• Tackle Efficiency: While he makes tackles, there are fewer splash plays in the backfield compared to more explosive linebackers.

• Ball Production Ceiling: Only a couple of interceptions in his career; turnover production is modest. Stats Crew

• Role Limitation: May be more suited to a sub‑package or coverage-heavy LB role rather than every-down play, depending on scheme.

Fit & Outlook

• Fit:
  Davis‑Gaither is best used in a defense that values versatile, coverage-capable linebackers. He fits particularly well in schemes that ask their linebackers to drop into zones, cover tight ends or running backs, and play in sub-packages. In a 4‑3 defense, he could serve as the WILL or SAM, while in more modern or hybrid fronts he offers flexibility as a “big nickel” linebacker.

• Outlook:
  Looking ahead, Davis‑Gaither projects as a key rotational / starting linebacker in his third‑down or coverage roles, with the potential to grow into a more prominent part of the defense. His combination of instincts, durability, and coverage ability gives him a solid floor, and with continued development — especially in tackling consistency and playmaking — he could become a reliable every-down contributor. If he stays healthy and maintains his role, he could provide value for years as a dependable, athletic linebacker who can impact both pass and run defense.