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Derius Davis

Derius Davis Player Profile

Summary

  • Drafted: Round 4, 125th overall (2023) by the Los Angeles Chargers. ESPN.com

  • College: TCU (Texas Christian University). Los Angeles Chargers

  • Key statistics / production: In the NFL through 2025 Davis has been used sparingly as a receiver but heavily as a return specialist — career return totals include 1000+ kickoff return yards and 600+ punt return yards with multiple long returns; he recorded a memorable 87-yard punt return TD (Week 9, 2023) and earned PFWA All-Rookie honors. NFL.com

  • Accolades / profile: Noted at TCU as an explosive returner (5 career college punt-return TDs) and a speed-threat receiver in space. He won AFC Special Teams Player of the Week for his 87-yard MNF punt return. Viewed as a competitive, high-effort special-teams ace who can carve a roster spot as a gadget/return weapon. Los Angeles Chargers

Strengths

  • Elite short-area burst and top-end speed — sudden acceleration that makes him a legitimate home-run threat on returns and on quick perimeter touches. NFL Draft Buzz

  • Proven return production & instincts — long track record of big returns at TCU and in the NFL (long kickoff/punt returns, special-teams TDs). He consistently finds seams and uses blocks well in space. Los Angeles Chargers

  • Danger as a gadget / jet-sweep weapon — comfortable taking handoffs, screens, and end-arounds; adds mismatch value in space on designed plays. NFL Draft Buzz

  • Explosiveness in short-area cuts — change-of-direction quickness combined with low center of gravity allows him to navigate traffic on returns and quick routes. Los Angeles Chargers

  • Competitive quickness & fearless in traffic — attacks seams with urgency and has shown willingness to lower shoulder and finish runs when needed.

Weaknesses

  • Very limited route tree / WR polish — production as a route-runner and traditional outside receiver is still raw; not yet a reliable high-volume receiving option. ESPN.com

  • Small frame / contact vulnerability — listed around 5'8", 165 lb — can be tackled easily once wrapped up, and long-term durability taking repeated hits (on returns and in the open field) is a concern. ESPN.com

  • Ball-security concerns at times — high usage in chaotic return situations has led to a few fumbles and near-fumbles; turnover risk needs constant attention. NFL.com

  • Limited blocking and inline play — not a consistent contributor in blocking schemes; limits snap-role versatility outside of return/gadget packages. NFL Draft Buzz

  • Ceiling tied to special teams role — unless he dramatically improves route technique and physicality, long-term value remains tied to returns and occasional offensive gadget plays. Los Angeles Chargers

Fit & Outlook

Derius Davis is a special-teams-first playmaker who projects best as an NFL kickoff/punt returner and gadget-offense weapon. Teams that value field-flipping ability and roster efficiency will find immediate value in Davis — he can change field position and manufacture explosive plays that tilt games. For offensive development, his path to a fuller WR role requires added weight, consistent route-running refinement, and polish in catching under traffic; otherwise his roster longevity will come from being one of the league’s more dangerous return specialists. Expect him to remain a high-variance, high-impact situational player: limited snap count on offense but meaningful swing in hidden-yardage/return value. Los Angeles Chargers