NFL 30 to Watch: Vernon Davis, Tight End, San Francisco 49ers

A regular look at 30 people who will affect the 2007 NFL season.

Never let it be said that Vernon Davis lacks enthusiasm. The second-year tight end -- and the sixth-overall pick in last year's draft -- is hoping to channel his exuberance into improving the 49ers offense. And that starts with staying healthy. Not scuffling with teammates is probably a good idea too.

Last week Davis and 11-time Pro Bowl guard Larry Allen almost went American Gladiators on each other during practice. Head coach Mike Nolan thinks the experience "will help him grow up, help him mature." And that's the thing: physically, Davis is a beast -- he ran a 4.3-something forty at the NFL combine, and he's a solid a 6-3, 250 pounds -- it's the above-the-head stuff that could stand a little work.

Still, it's not like Davis is a divisive locker room presence, he just plays with a lot of emotion. And even though the club traded for Darrell Jackson this off-season, Nolan hopes Davis becomes to the 49ers what Antonio Gates is with the Chargers.

After a slow start to his rookie season -- which included missing six games in the middle of the schedule because of a broken leg -- Davis registered 15 catches for 228 yards and two TDs in the final seven games.

Bottom line: Davis is primed for a big season. He's faster than any linebacker in the league -- and most safeties -- and won't be out-muscled for jump balls. Darrell Jackson is a question mark at this point, so Alex Smith will primarily rely on Frank Gore and Davis to matriculate the ball up the field.

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