But even though few batted an eye Davis when the team added him to the practice squad Jan. 4 and re-signed him after the season, the 6-3, 205-pound wideout is doing his best to get noticed on the field. He's been a visible presence throughout the spring, and while he's still battling long odds to stick around, he's already outlasted two higher profile receivers in Chad Ochocinco and Anthony Gonzalez.
"I'm just trying to soak up as much as I can. I'm in a great position to be here and learn from a lot of great guys," Davis said after Wednesday's mini-camp practice in which he once again caught several passes thrown his way.
Davis spent time with the Jets and Broncos prior to coming to New England late last season. It was his time with the Broncos under Josh McDaniels that could be most beneficial. While some receivers – most notably Ochocinco – have struggled picking up the Patriots offensive system, Davis appears comfortable having come to New England with some experience.
"I don't know if it helps me. I don't think it hurts me at all. I know how Josh is, the year I spent with him in Denver, so I'm just kind of familiar with him," Davis said. "I think [the offense is] what you make of it. If you approach it like a professional and you study and do what you're supposed to do you can definitely grasp it. But it requires a lot of thinking on the go so it's good.
"I think Josh is a tremendous offensive coordinator. You see what he did with Brandon [Lloyd]. Brandon had a great year in Denver and he did pretty well in St. Louis too. Josh is definitely receiver-friendly and I think he's a great offensive coordinator."
Despite his experience in the system Davis understands that won't be enough to earn him a job. He intends to take the field every day ready to maximize his opportunities and compete with what is still a pretty deep crop of receivers. But he insisted the existing talent won't affect him.
"Not for me," Davis said when asked if the situation was intimidating. "I just come in and do my job and focus on what I can do and what I can bring to the organization and ultimately what I can do to help this team win. It's great to compete against all these guys, guys who have a lot of notches on their belt. The better the competition."
