ORCHARD PARK, NY (WKBW) — Gabriel Davis has always had something to prove.
But while the Bills rookie wide receiver says he's been doubted his entire life, he still carries a confident demeanor both on and off the field.
"It's more to prove it to myself and know the work I put in will set me apart from other people," Davis told reporters after Tuesday's practice. "I never want to come out as arrogant. I just want people to know I have confidence in myself and I can play and compete with the best."
Davis was taken in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft and joins an experienced wide receiver corps. He says being in the same room as John Brown, Cole Beasley, and Stefon Diggs is a blessing.
"I learn everyday from these guys. I know their background as well and I know they were in the same situation if not a worse situation. They've all been in the same shoes. I feel like that's what makes them so helpful in wanting to show me how to get to their level," he said. "I just want to perform great for them. I see the opportunity and want to make them happy to see a young guy making plays by what they're teaching me."
Along with Isaiah Hodgins, a sixth round draft pick, Davis is looking to make the 53-man roster where he hopes to be another threat for an offense that had its highs and lows last season. Listed as 6'2" and 210 pounds on the team's roster, Davis knows his size is one of his strength.
Not to sound like a broken record, but Gabe Davis continues to impress. He won a 1-on-1 battle with Tre White, boxing out White to bring down an over the shoulder deep ball. Davis’ size is noticeable on those types of plays #Bills
— Matthew Bové (@Matt_Bove) August 24, 2020
"I know I'm a bigger receiver. They [coaches] want me to be that guy that makes those contested catches. I feel like when the opportunity comes my way to make that contested play in practice, I'm coming down with those," he said. "I feel like that's one of the biggest things that's caught people's eyes."
He's right. Davis has caught the attention of many of his teammates including Micah Hyde and John Brown who've had nothing but great things to say about both he and Hodgins. He's been mostly praised for learning the Bills playbook so quickly and Davis attributes that to his work in the off-season. It's safe to say Davis is more than ready to make an impact.
Pretty serious praise from #Bills veteran WR John Brown on rookies Gabe Davis & Isaiah Hodgins 👀 #BillsMafia @WKBW pic.twitter.com/B8R33bN57Q
— Matthew Bové (@Matt_Bove) August 10, 2020
"I'm just coming out here every single day trying to compete, find my spot on the team, and go out there everyday and learn from the guys above me," Davis said. "It's beyond words to say how happy I am to be a part of this team, in the NFL, and I'm trying to take advantage of every opportunity I have."
