Davis entered training camp as a safety, but also learned the linebacker position. On August 15, 2005, it was reported that the Carolina Panthers moved Davis to outside linebacker after Brandon Short injured his foot during a preseason game against the Washington Redskins. On August 20, 2005, starting strong safety Colin Branch tore his ACL during the Panthers’ 27-21 loss at the New York Giants in their third preseason game. Defensive coordinator Mike Trgovac opted to move Davis back to strong safety as a replacement for Branch. Head coach John Fox named Davis the starting strong safety to begin the regular season, alongside free safety Mike Minter.