Nate Davis SELECTED BY: 49ers Round 5 (35)

SI Grade 3.59 GRADING SYSTEM

BIOGRAPHY: "Three-year starter named MAC Offensive Player of the Year in 2008 after passing totals of 64.3%/3,591/26/8. All-Conference selection as a junior after totals of 56.4%/3,667/30/6."

POSITIVES: "Productive signal caller with an outstanding feel for the position and game. Quickly sets up in the pocket with good footwork, displays tremendous patience waiting for receivers to get open, and scans the field going through progressions. Displays good pocket sense, overall field awareness, and consistently finds the open wideout. Stands strong in the face of pressure in order to get the pass off, and throws the ball away if nothing is available. On the same page as his receivers, consistently remains calm under the rush, and makes good decisions. Elusive, avoids defenders and accurate throwing on the move. Throws a nice deep ball, putting air under the pass and allowing receivers to run with it. Zips the outs, fires the ball through the tight spots, but also puts touch on throws when required. Tough, feisty, and always works to make positive plays."

NEGATIVES: "Not a sturdy pocket passer who can withstand the rush. Struggles seeing over the line of scrimmage. Inconsistent with his pass placement, and has pass catchers stretching vertically or reaching backwards for the errant toss. Was very inconsistent in the post season and at the combine."

ANALYSIS: "Davis is a smart and tough football player who does an outstanding job commanding the offense and leading his team. He possesses the skills to be a productive quarterback, yet a number of teams will be turned off by his lack of height. In many ways, Davis reminds us of Tampa Bay Buccaneer quarterback Jeff Garcia with his ability to overcome physical shortcomings by playing smart football. Davis is not a quarterback for everyone, yet he will flourish in the right system."

PROJECTION: Fourth Round