NFL Draft 2019: Detroit Lions trade up seven spots for Will Harris

With their first two selections in the 2019 NFL Draft, the Detroit Lions addressed needs on both sides of the ball. Then they traded up in the third round.

With their first round selection, the Detroit Lions selected tight end T.J. Hockenson, a player many speculated to the Motor City. With their second round pick, Detroit chose Hawaii linebacker Jahlani Tavai – a player that was certainly under the radar. But one the Lions’ likely didn’t believe would be available when they chose again.

In the third round, the Lions moved from the 88th overall selection to the 81st, trading a sixth rounder (204) to the Minnesota Vikings in a rare NFC North trade. So what direction would the Lions go when it came to their upgraded third round selection? We now have the pick …

With the 81st overall selection in the 2019 NFL Draft, the Detroit Lions select …

NAME: Will Harris
POSITION: DB
SCHOOL: Boston College
HT/WT: 6-1, 207
AGE: 20
2018 STATS: 75 tackles, 1.0 sack, 1 int
PROS: Size to cover tight ends, hard-hitter, solid in coverage, special teams ace, tough
CONS: Questionable ball skills and run support, lack of turnovers

QUICK ANALYSIS: A Paul Pasqualoni special here, the Lions’ current defensive coordinator coached Will Harris at Boston College back in 2016. So he’s very familiar with the player. Harris should be a backup safety with time to develop in Detroit who will make his bones on special teams during his rookie season.

Detroit Lions’ third round selections since 2000

More from SideLion Report

• Top 5 revenge games on the Detroit Lions 2023 schedule
• Lions center Frank Ragnow optimistic about continuing to play through toe injury
• Detroit Lions 2023 preseason schedule: Dates, times and opponents
• A new contract extension projection for Lions quarterback Jared Goff
• 4 wide receivers the Detroit Lions could still look to acquire this offseason

2018 – Tracy Walker, S – Louisiana-Lafayette
2017 – Kenny Golladay, WR – Northern Illinois
2016 – Graham Glasgow, C – Michigan
2015 – Alex Carter, CB – Stanford
2014 – Travis Swanson, C – Arkansas
2013 – Larry Warford, G – Kentucky
2012 – Bill Bentley, DB – Louisiana-Lafayette
2011 – No Pick
2010 – Amari Spievey, DB – Iowa
2009 – DeAndre Levy, LB – Wisconsin
2009 – Derrick Williams, WR – Penn St.
2008 – Kevin Smith, RB – Central Florida
2008 – Andre Fluellen, DT – Florida St.
2008 – Cliff Avril, LB – Purdue
2007 – No Pick
2006 – Brian Calhoun, RB – Wisconsin
2005 – Stanley Wilson, DB – Stanford
2004 – Keith Smith, DB – McNeese St.
2003 – Cory Redding, DE – Texas
2002 – Andre’ Goodman, DB – South Carolina
2001 – No Pick
2000 – Reuben Droughns, RB – Oregon

With their final Day Two selection, the Detroit Lions continued to build depth at secondary. Was it the right move for the Motor City? Let us know what you think in the comment section below and stick with SideLion Report for more draft coverage.