Patriots defensive tackle Carl Davis is hard to miss.

There’s his size, for starters. Davis checks in at a sturdy 6-foot-5, 320 pounds.

Then there’s his history, playing for five different teams. After just six seasons, Davis has faced virtually every NFL team.

But nowadays, it’s his play that’s can’t-miss.

Davis has been destroying Pats offensive linemen in pass rush drills throughout training camp, a clear sign of a changed player.

He originally signed with the Patriots last October, billed as a rotational run stuffer who might help stop the bleeding in their defensive front. Since then, he’s racked up five pressures in three game appearances, and gone close to undefeated in three padded practices involving 1-on-1 pass rush drills.

How does he explain it?

“My offseason training, and the strength staff here helped me with my ability to grow as a player and get in shape and get stronger,” Davis told reporters Sunday. “And it’s just transferring over to the field right now.”

During Sunday’s practice, Davis zipped right around backup offensive guard Marcus Martin, who seemed to anticipate a bull rush from the powerful nose tackle on his first 1-on-1 rep. Instead, Davis swiped his hands aside and crossed into the pocket with ease. Minutes later, he beat another backup, Alex Redmond.

These moves were a changeup from Davis’ previous reps, which last week included tossing Martin off to the side. He also beat starting center David Andrews and sixth-round rookie Will Sherman in the same drill. Davis credits the environment in New England to bringing out the best in him.

“It’s the daily grind, man. It doesn’t allow you to get complacent and forces you to grow,” Davis said. “And honestly I said this last year, it kind of reminded me of college. I went to Iowa, and it was very challenging. It’s good to get back to that kind of football.”

Davis finds himself squarely on the bubble heading into the Pats’ first preseason game Thursday against Washington. He must continue to fight for snaps behind Lawrence Guy and free-agent addition Davon Godchaux, both projected starters. But it’s been so far, so good for Davis, who after six years of wandering the NFL as a journeyman, might have finally found a home.

“This style, it fits me. … I don’t know why, but I feel so comfortable just being myself here,” Davis said. “And I think that’s helped me translate everything to the field,” he said.

THE PATRIOTS waived backup quarterback Jake Dolegala on Monday, according to reports.

The Pats signed Dolegala two weeks ago, after Jarrett Stidham underwent surgery that’s expected to keep him out until mid-October. Dolegala had been serving as the team’s fourth-string quarterback in practices, behind Cam Newton, Mac Jones and Brian Hoyer. The third-year passer only participated in two competitive team periods of training camp.

Dolegala’s release could open a roster spot for a free agent to sign Monday in injury relief. Starting tight end Hunter Henry and long snapper Joe Cardona both left Sunday’s padded practice early with injuries. In the spring, the Patriots signed a second long snapper, Wes Farnsworth, to help them facilitate a kicking competition over OTAs and minicamp. Farnsworth is currently a free agent.

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