Davis follows brother’s path

INDIANAPOLIS

Vernon Davis used a dazzling NFL scouting combine workout to propel himself to the sixth overall pick three years ago, and little brother Vontae hopes to enjoy a similar rise when the Illnois cornerback and D.C. native runs Tuesday.

Vontae won’t go as high as Vernon, but a good workout would solidify him as the second corner in the draft behind Ohio State’s Malcolm Jenkins.

“I’m hoping I have the same genes [as Vernon],” Vontae joked Sunday morning.

Like his brother, Vontae, 20, left after his junior year. His interception total slipped from four to two in his final season.

“Most teams found out how good I was as a sophomore, and they respected me as a junior,” he said, citing teams’ unwillingness to throw in his direction.

Despite not being challenged, Davis still was able to make 78 tackles, most by a Big Ten cornerback, because of his willingness to be physical in the run game.

Several teams need immediate cornerback help. New Orleans picks 14th, and coach Sean Payton has stated his desire to improve the secondary. Chicago is four spots later, and the Bears were 30th in pass defense last year. And Baltimore at No. 26 released veteran Chris McAlister last week.

The 49ers are aging and unproven at cornerback, but Davis said the challenge of facing Vernon as an opponent would almost be more enjoyable than being teammates.

“I would love to play with my brother, but at the same time, I would love to compete against him,” Vontae said. “We wrestled [as kids], and he would always come out on top. I would love to come out on top in a real game.”

Quarterback picture

As free agency nears, it appears a quarter of the league’s teams have some kind of issue at quarterback.

Arizona: Kurt Warner won’t be taking the desert discount according to various reports, and the Cardinals - facing potential extension talks with Anquan Boldin - have only so much to pay No. 13.

Carolina: Jake Delhomme’s playoff meltdown (five interceptions against Arizona) plus his age (34) should force the Panthers to move on or at least begin grooming his replacement.

Kansas City: Everything is new for the Chiefs, and this would be the perfect spot for Matt Cassel. Tyler Thigpen finished the year as the starter.

Story Continues →