Detroit Lions: How the 2018 draft class can take the next step

Tracy Walker

Position: Safety

Drafted/School: 3rd round (82nd overall) / Louisiana

Height/Weight: 6-1, 206

2018 Stats: 16 games played, 1 interception

2018 in review:

Walker was something of an unknown leading up to the draft, so it had to be a bit of a shock to hear him selected by the Lions in the third round.

Playing behind Quin as well as veteran safeties Quandre Diggs and Tavon Wilson, Walker was primarily used on special teams before ending the season averaging over fifty percent of defensive snaps played in the last four games of the season after playing less than twenty percent in the first twelve weeks. At over six feet, Walker has the kind of size needed to play the kind of physical role that the Lions need in their safeties.

Next steps for 2019:

After Quin’s aforementioned release, the door is open for Walker to take on a much bigger role at free safety in 2019, regardless of whom the Lions add at the position this offseason. He is a smart, instinctual defender, also highlighted by SideLion Report’s own Steven Mullenax as a potential breakout player next season.