How a second-round draft pick ascended to a Super Bowl victory
In short: Carlton Davis III transitioned from an Auburn standout to a cornerstone of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' defense. After being selected 63rd overall in 2018, he navigated injuries and roster shifts to secure a championship ring, eventually earning a massive contract extension and a high-profile move to the Detroit Lions.
Carlton Davis III entered the NFL in 2018 after a standout collegiate career at Auburn University. Originally a commitment to Ohio State, Davis became a starter as a true freshman in 2015, recording 56 tackles and three interceptions. His performance during his time with the Tigers positioned him as a highly touted prospect; despite skipping certain drills during the NFL Scouting Combine, he was projected as a second-round pick by experts and ranked among the top ten cornerback prospects by major scouting outlets.
Selected 63rd overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Davis's professional journey was marked by both resilience and significant milestones. He stepped into the starting lineup in 2018 following an injury to Brent Grimes and quickly became a fixture in the secondary. His ability to perform under pressure was evidenced during the 2020 season, where he recorded a career-high four interceptions and helped the Buccaneers clinch a Wildcard berth. This success culminated in a victory in Super Bowl LV, where Davis recorded five combined tackles in the Buccaneers' 31–9 win over the Kansas City Chiefs.
The financial scale of Davis's career reflects his value as a premier cornerback. In 2022, the Buccaneers secured him with a three-year, $44.50 million extension, which included a $30.00 million guarantee. His career trajectory took another significant turn in March 2024, when the Buccaneers traded him to the Detroit Lions in exchange for a third-round pick. This move led to a one-year, $14.50 million contract with Detroit, where he entered training camp as a projected starter.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Carlton Davis
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