By Michael Stets
There were more than a few options for the Detroit Lions when it came time for their pick in the opening round of the 2017 NFL Draft. And in a round that featured six trades and some very unpredictable selections, Detroit addressed one of its biggest needs by selecting a defensive playmaker.
Picking at No. 21, the Lions acquired linebacker Jarrad Davis from Florida. Alabama linebacker Reuben Foster, who saw his stock drop due to several off-field issues, was still available at the time. The Lions passed on Foster, and he was eventually taken at No. 31 by the San Francisco 49ers.
One of the most athletic linebackers in this year’s draft, Davis did not participate in the drills at the NFL Scouting Combine due to an ankle issue. However, he shined at his Pro Day, running the 40-yard dash in 4.56 seconds and posting a 38.5″ in the vertical jump. A popular mock draft pick to the Lions in recent days, Davis should be a welcomed addition to the linebackers, and will likely become a day one starter.
“He’s one of those guys that checks all the boxes,” Lions head coach Jim Caldwell told Dan Miller on the NFL Draft Show on Thursday night. “I mean, he’s big, physical, fast, smart, tough. He’s just one of those guys that is going to be great in terms of leadership.”
The Kingsland, Ga. native missed four games in 2016 with a high-ankle sprain, and finished the season with 60 tackles, six tackles for a loss, two sacks and four pass breakups, which earned him second team All-SEC honors. In addition to being lauded for his physical ability, Davis is often praised for his character, which is something Lions General Manager Bob Quinn is very high on. Davis, who is 6′ 1″ and weighs 238 pounds, can play in the middle or at weakside linebacker. He joins a unit that includes veteran Tahir Whitehead, 2016 fifth-round pick Antwione Williams and newly-signed free agent Paul Worrilow, who previously played four years for the Atlanta Falcons.
With the departure of DeAndre Levy, Davis not only fills a need, but he has a chance to become the new leader of the defense. Caldwell feels strongly that the defense will immediately improve once their 2017 first-round pick steps on the field.
“There’s no question that we have a great need for him,” said Caldwell. “The position which he plays, he’s one of those guys that can step right in for us and give us some help where we need some. But then also in terms of his talent level, it meets also. We are glad to have him. He makes us better right from the onset.”
Davis was the second linebacker taken on Thursday night. Temple’s Hasson Reddick was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals with the 13th pick. In total, 19 out of the 32 draft picks taken in the first round were defensive players. The second round of the 2017 NFL Draft will kick off on Friday night at 7 pm. The Lions have pick No. 53.