Davante Adams
WR, Fresno St. · 2014 NFL Draft, Round 2, pick #53 (GNB)
Why he was overlooked Patterns
Signals in our data that pointed to him being undervalued: age, availability. Details below.
- Age
21 years old at the draft (nflverse).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 56.6% of the time (663 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Availability
Played 184 of ~197 possible regular-season games from 2014 through 2025 (career total from PFR, which may already include some 2026 games) (~93%).
- Pre-draft rankings
ESPN's pre-draft board ranked him #44 (#7 at his position), close to where he went (#53). The whole market, not just his team, missed on him.
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.6% of the time (2,104 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- School
Fresno St.: not a Power-conference school (our conference list).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.5% of the time (1,426 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Athletic testing
Ran a 4.56 40-yard dash at 212 lbs: faster than 16% of WRs timed at the Combine since 2000.
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.2% of the time (1,232 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Position
WR (WR group).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 40.4% of the time (718 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
Every line comes from data: nflverse draft, combine and career data; ESPN's pre-draft ranks. No scouting reports or quotes. Green = pointed toward a steal for him.
Career numbers
| Games | 184 |
| Seasons as primary starter | 11 |
| Pro Bowls | 6 |
| First-team All-Pro | 3 |
| Career wAV (Pro Football Reference) | 92 |
| Rushing | 3 att, -1 yds, undefined TD |
| Receiving | 1047 rec, 13,113 yds, 121 TD |
| Defense | 2 tackles, 0 sacks, 0 INT |
| Last NFL season | 2026 |
The 2014 class: draft pick vs. redraft rank Full redraft
Each dot is a 2014 pick. Dashed line = typical redraft rank for each slot (2000–2021 classes). Above the line = beat his slot.
How players like him did
| Age 21 or younger | 56.6% n=663 | |
| Pre-draft rankings Within a round of ESPN's rank | 50.6% n=2,104 | |
| School Non-Power school (Group of 5 / FCS / smaller) | 50.5% n=1,426 | |
| Athletic testing Bottom 25% at his position | 50.2% n=1,232 | |
| Position WR | 40.4% n=718 |
Share of 2000–2021 picks with the same trait who beat their draft slot. Line = 50%.
Measurables & pre-draft
| Height / weight | 6' 1", 212 lbs |
| 40-yard dash | 4.56 s |
| Bench press | 14 reps |
| Vertical | 39.5" |
| Broad jump | 123" |
| 3-cone | 6.82 s |
| Shuttle | 4.3 s |
| Arm / hand | 32.5" / 9" |
| Age at draft | 21 |
| ESPN pre-draft rank | #44 overall (#7 WR) |
Picked around him 2014 redraft
| 50 | Jeremiah Attaochu | redraft #93 |
| 51 | Ego Ferguson | redraft #179 |
| 52 | Troy Niklas | redraft #189 |
| 54 | Bishop Sankey | redraft #140 |
| 55 | Jeremy Hill | redraft #79 |
| 56 | Cody Latimer | redraft #144 |
How verdicts and reasons are computed: methodology. Steal / bust = 32+ spots better / worse than the typical redraft rank for the slot.