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Gabriel Davis Selected by Buffalo Bills in Round 4 of the NFL Draft

One of UCF’s greatest wide receivers finds a pro home in the AFC East

Photo: Derek Warden

Former UCF wide receiver Gabriel Davis was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the fourth round of the NFL Draft on Saturday. He came off the board at pick No. 128.

By the time Davis ended his three-year career with the UCF Knights, he established himself as one of their best-ever wideouts. He ranks among the program’s top 10 in receiving yards, receptions and 100-yard receiving games. He also caught 23 touchdowns, which is second-most in UCF history.

He racked up big numbers in 2019 — 72 catches, 1,241 yards and 12 touchdowns — despite skipping the Gasparilla Bowl.

In Davis, the Bills are getting a player who has the strength and size to make tough catches in coverage. He high-points the ball really well, fights for the ball and should be an attractive red-zone target in the NFL. Gabe didn’t run a wide variety of routes at UCF, but displayed subtle moves that could fake out DBs. His long strides help him get downfield to make big plays, and he is also a committed blocker.

He isn’t the fastest or the most athletic guy, but given Davis’ superb work ethic, you know he’s going to tap into every ounce of ability and potential he possesses.

He will look to bolster an already-strong receiving group, headed by Stefon Diggs and John Brown. This pick has to make Josh Allen happy.

Clayton Geathers was the most recent Knight to be drafted in the fourth round (2015).

10 of UCF’s 42 all-time draft picks have been wide receivers, including another fourth-rounder: Davis’ friend/mentor/training partner, Brandon Marshall. Marshall was taken by the Denver Broncos at pick No. 119 in 2006.

Davis is the third UCF alum drafted by the Bills, joining defensive tackle Torrell Troup (2010) and wide receiver Bernard Ford (1988)

Gabe’s reaction:

What they’re saying about Davis:

Right back to work: