Respected NFL minds prove that they didn't watch a Saints star play last year

Demario Davis remains a top-flight talent at linebacker around the NFL. The veteran New Orleans Saints LB has never truly gotten the hype that other, younger linebackers have in recent seasons.

He's well-respected by his peers, but the latest rankings for his position do not give Davis the credit he deserves.

Via ESPN, NFL insider Jeremy Fowler broke down a survey given to league executives, coaches, and scouts. That survey ranks top 10 players at different positions. Check out his description for how they come to their rankings below.

With 2024 NFL training camps on the horizon, it is again time for the league's true insiders to make their voices heard. ESPN surveyed league executives, coaches and scouts to help us rank the top 10 players at 11 different positions, from quarterback to cornerback and all positions in between. This is the fifth edition of these rankings, and as usual, several players have moved up or fallen off last year's lists .

Demario Davis ranked 8th in latest ESPN linebacker rankings

"Still Demario," an NFC scout said about how Davis has held up. "He's found the right blend of work ethic, natural maturation and football awareness that has enabled him to sustain his level of play and extend his career." -- ESPN

Davis' unbelievable work ethic and leadership makes his role even more important in the black and gold. He consistently produces at the top of the league, and he's arguably the best pass rusher at off-ball LB in football.

The vet led all inside linebackers in sacks (6.5) and totaled 12 tackles for loss and four pass deflections while playing nearly 1,100 snaps in 2023. He can still roam in pass coverage, especially underneath, with the best of them.

Accordingly, the ranking is disrespectful. Davis is absolutely a top five linebacker in the league, and yet, they barely had him making it into the top ten. At least one of the individuals ranking even had him outside of the top ten.

That is simply inexcusable .

Davis is closer to the third-best linebacker in football than the eighth-best linebacker in football.

It's not surprise that the older LB receives some doubt entering another season. That being said, his age after thirty has not particularly slowed him down over the past couple of years. His longevity has been special .

There's no reason to pass him aside in favor of younger players that simply are not as good as him right now.

Not to mention, Davis was arguably the best player on the field during OTAs earlier in the offseason. He's pushing his younger teammates to their limits and consistently challenging them to improve.

A better ranking for Davis would have been third in football, behind Fred Warner and Roquan Smith. The rest of them in between belong below the Saints leader on defense in the ranks as of now.

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