Bruce

Davis

The move clears space on the Raiders roster for Aaron Curry. A third-round pick of the Steelers in 2008, Davis has just five tackles in 15 career games. He could be near the end of the line.

Davis is only a fringe roster player, but the Raiders need depth with weakside linebackers Quentin Groves (hamstring) and Thomas Howard (knee) battling injuries.

Davis latched on with a futures contract in January, but never had much of a shot to stick. He’s struggled to play the outside linebacker spot in the 3-4 after playing defensive end in college.

This is a little bit of a surprise as 2008 third-round pick Bruce Davis was expected to fill that role. But Davis hasn’t done anything at camp to stand out, so he finds himself battling for a roster spot.

It’s not often that the Steelers screw up early-round picks, but last year’s third-rounder Davis never could convert to linebacker after playing end in college. Madison led the team in special teams tackles last season, but the Steelers drafted corners to take his place.

Davis, a third-round pick of the Steelers in 2008, had trouble converting to linebacker after playing defensive end in college. He has also worked out for the Colts and Broncos recently.

Woodley played in just 80 snaps last year, but he was the team’s most productive pass rusher per play as a rookie. He had four sacks and five QB pressures in that sparse playing time. Woodley’s only competition will come from rookie Bruce Davis. Count on 7-8 sacks from Woodley as an NFL sophomore.

Davis received roughly $500,000 to sign. The former UCLA Bruin was mostly a defensive end in college, but did see some action with his hand up and will play linebacker in Pittsburgh’s 3-4. He’ll likely back up starters James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley as a rookie while focusing on special teams.

Davis, 24, struggled to convert from UCLA defensive end to 3-4 outside linebacker after the Steelers made him a third-round pick in 2008. He clearly has talent, but looks like a long shot for a roster spot in New England.

The Pats surprisingly didn’t go all-out to upgrade their pass rush in the draft. Second-round pick Jermaine Cunningham will get every opportunity to beat out Ninkovich, but it remains to be seen how easily he’ll convert from college end to NFL outside linebacker. New England’s other options include Shawn Crable, Pierre Woods, Bruce Davis, and Marques Murrell.