Big years await Jamin Davis, Luke Fortner as NFL season approaches

There should be much to look forward to regarding Jamin Davis and Luke Fortner‘s upcoming NFL campaigns. The duo of ex-Kentucky studs saw promising years unfold across the 2022 season, but 2023 could be even better.

Davis, now going into his third season in the league with the Washington Commanders, comfortably surpassed his rookie numbers this past season. On the other hand, Fortner just completed his rookie season where he impressed early on for the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Both Wildcats have earned positive comments from coaches within each respective organization. However, the bottom line looks clear. This upcoming season will be massive for both guys — more pressure will be placed on their shoulders as their veteran status grows in the NFL.

Davis’ time to erupt

The time is now for Jamin Davis. He looks primed for a big role in Washington’s defense. If Davis’ numbers continue to increase as they have, a sneaky Pro Bowl appearance could be in the works. On a contractual note, a big year from Davis, who is still on his rookie deal, could have Washington looking to renegotiate his contract.

About one month ago, Washington’s defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio laid out the blueprint for Davis.

“Year three now, we should expect him to be at his best and he’s going to be challenged…So when Jamin gets back, the key for him is going to be eliminate some of the what the heck plays from his game, and have some more of those splash plays,” said Del Rio. It still looks like the best is yet to come from Davis despite his offseason surgery.

Davis smashed his rookie sack and tackles numbers this previous year. He ended the 2022 season with 92 total tackles and three sacks. An increase in those numbers should have Del Rio grinning from ear to ear within a talented Washington defense.

One of Kentucky’s finest

It’s clear that Luke Fortner is just that. He was thrown into the mix for Jacksonville early on. An offense that certainly exceeded expectations this past year with Fortner a focal point in the offense’s growth. He was extremely consistent in his protection of franchise quarterback Trevor Lawrence.

The numbers that he put up in his rookie season were impressive, to say the least. Just look at these.

Luke Fortner through 9 games:

• 354 pass blocking snaps
• 0 sacks allowed

Not enough people are talking about the Jaguars rookie center 😳 pic.twitter.com/n2pDXQXmXm

— NFL Rookie Watch (@NFLRookieWatxh) November 11, 2022

Least amount of sacks allowed by rookie OL this season:

Spencer Burford 0
Luke Fortner 1
Tyler Linderbaum 2
Nicholas Petit-Frere 2
Luke Goedeke 2 pic.twitter.com/uT2Di7KF2x

— NFL Rookie Watch (@NFLRookieWatxh) November 30, 2022

Fortner picked up the highest of praise from Jaguars general manager Trent Baalke at the end of the season.

“To come into this league and play in the middle of the offense, play the center position with all that has to go into it mentally that goes into playing that position. To do as well as he did is a credit to him and the work that he puts in. He’s a pro’s pro at a very young age, I look at him as an old soul. I think the best is in front of him,” said Baalke regarding Fortner’s first year in the league.

Jacksonville scrapped its way to an AFC South crown last year and then came back from a huge deficit to shock the Chargers in the Wild Card round. Granted, Jacksonville will have higher expectations this season now that this new crop of Jaguars has playoff experience. However, if Fortner continues to cement his strengths within the frontline, the Jags will have their long-term center.