4 Things Patriots Fans Must Know About New DT Davon Godchaux

The New England Patriots got Davon Godchaux for a reason. He was the first defensive player the team got in the offseason. The former Miami Dolphins player signed a two-year contract worth $16 million.

The Patriots were getting ready for the loss of Adam Butler and Lawrence Guy so Bill Belichick had to address the topic. Godchaux joined the team at the right time and his impact will be huge. So, who is Davon Godchaux?

He was nominated for the Walton Payton NFL Man of the Year award in 2019

It was his third season in the league. Godchaux got one of the biggest NFL honors. The talented player fundraised for the Dolphins Cancer Challenge as his sister, Janecia, struggled with cervical cancer. Believe it or not, Godchaux donated $100 for every tackle he made during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The defensive lineman also started a charitable organization named Chauxdown. It “empowers at-risk youth through fitness, literacy and educational programming.  The foundation has helped serve and impact over 2000 youth in the Miami, Florida, and Plaquemine, Louisiana communities.”

The Patriots signed Davon Godchaux and he said it was a “no-brainer”

Belichick watched him play twice a year with Miami players and another two years with Brian Flores. Godchaux was a good catch.

“Of course, I felt like I had to weigh out all of my options, but it was a no-brainer for me because of the scheme,” Godchaux said, via Mark Daniels of the Providence Journal. “I played for Brian Flores in Miami so, it’s kind of the same scheme. I played this scheme in college too, so it was kind of a no-brainer for me. I feel like I fit best in this scheme. I thrived in this scheme. I feel like their scheme best fits my skill set. I can play in any scheme, but I felt this scheme best fit my skill-set. And being able to be coached by arguably the greatest coach of all-time, that was a no-brainer.”

Godchaux was one of the best defensive linemen against the run in 2018

He was brilliant. In his second NFL season, Godchaux ranked 45th of all interior defenders with at least 200 snaps. Pro Football Focus ranked players. Godchaux had a 83.3 grade against the run and became the 20th ranked interior defensive lineman of the year. The average depth per tackle hit 1.43 yards.

The defensive lineman missed most of 2020 due to an injury

In the game against the San Francisco 49ers, Godchaux suffered a torn bicep. He had 16 tackles and two hits on opposing quarterbacks. He also tore his ACL and MCL in his season opener in his senior campaign. This bicep injury kept him out the longest.