EAGAN, Minn. — The Vikings added 80 games of NFL experience to their offensive line Monday by signing Jesse Davis.
Davis, who was recently released by the Dolphins, started 72 of the 80 regular-season games he played for Miami since 2017, including at least 15 in each of the past four seasons.
Here are five things to know about Davis:
1. He's versatile
Beyond the veteran experience Davis is bringing to the group, the 30-year-old also is adding a high degree of versatility.
He made his first 26 career starts at right guard and totaled 1,863 snaps at the position before moving outside to right tackle, where he logged 2,212 snaps for Miami.
Davis also has some experience on the left side of the line but returned to right tackle for most of 2021, when he started 14 games there (and two at left guard).
2. Developed along the way
Davis committed to his development along the way. He initially signed with Seattle as an undrafted free agent in 2015. After not making the final cut for the Seahawks roster, he returned to the NFL with the Jets in January 2016.
He was cut again heading into that season but joined New York's practice squad. A week after his release in November, Davis headed to South Beach to finish that season on Miami's practice squad.
3. Defense to offense
Davis enrolled in 2010 at Idaho to play college football for the Vandals. After redshirting that season, he played defensive line for each of the next two seasons.
He started all 12 games at defensive tackle in 2012, recording 13 tackles and a team-best five quarterback hurries. Davis also returned a fumble 84 yards from the Idaho 13-yard line to the Louisiana Tech 3 in a game that season. The big man was denied the end zone, however, when he fumbled at the 3. It was recovered by a teammate at the 1 to set up a touchdown.
The following spring, Davis transitioned to the offensive line. He made five starts before suffering an injury. Davis made 10 starts as a senior in 2014.
4. High school honors
Born in Asotin, Washington, on the border with Idaho, Davis played three sports in high school: football, baseball and basketball.
Davis garnered First-Team All-State honors in Washington as a tight end in 2009 when he caught 10 passes for 169 yards and four scores.
5. Community oriented
Davis made sure to get involved in community efforts led by the Dolphins, including multiple types of active fundraisers to support cancer research.
Those activities included participating in a deep-sea fishing tournament, a golf tournament, the Dolphins Challenge Cancer 5K run walk and cycling 14 miles in the DCC Dolphins Ride.
Davis also participated in a meal-packing event with the Parkland community in 2019 on the one-year anniversary of the tragic shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.
