Detroit Lions Select Jarrad Davis in First Round of 2017 NFL Draft

With the 21st pick in the 2017 Draft, the Detroit Lions selected Florida linebacker, Jarrad Davis. With Reuben Foster, Dalvin Cook, Taco Charlton and Charles Harris still on the board, the Lions went after their biggest need, adding a pro-ready linebacker.

Jarrad Davis: LB, Florida

Sep 26, 2015; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators linebacker Jarrad Davis (40), defensive lineman Jonathan Bullard (90), linebacker Antonio Morrison (3) and defensive lineman Alex McCalister (14) tackle Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Joshua Dobbs (11) during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Florida Gators defeated the Tennessee Volunteers 28-27. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Size: 6-foot-1, 238 lbs

Why he makes sense: Davis was apparently the best linebacker on the Lions’ board when they selected, and upon closer inspection, there is a lot to like about Davis. Many fans were hoping for Alabama’s Reuben Foster, but the Lions may not have liked the many red flags surrounding him at the combine.

Davis is more versatile and can plug into Detroit’s 4-3 defense and likely contribute as a rookie. The Lions could attempt to play him in the middle or put him on the outside, taking DeAndre Levy’s former spot.

“Davis has athletic gifts to go along with the character traits teams are looking for. His ability to cover ground, operate with loose hips in space, and finish his tackles make him a draft favorite for some teams,” said Lance Zierlein in his NFL.com scouting profile.

Many mock drafts had Davis landing in Detroit, but with the way the first twenty picks went, fans had little confidence NFL teams were looking at things the same way as Mel Kiper and company, this year more than normal.

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