Grading the last five Detroit Lions first-round draft picks

2017: LB Jarrad Davis, Florida, 21st overall

Davis was Bob Quinn’s second first-round pick as Detroit Lions’ general manager. While it felt like a bit of a reach, the linebacker out of University of Florida was immediately productive (96 total tackles in 14 games as a rookie).

Davis’ second season, 2018, brought a full-on breakthrough (100 total tackles, six sacks, 10 tackles for loss, 10 quarterback hits).

But then, as a decision on his fifth-year option loomed during the 2019 season, Matt Patricia reduced Davis’ role as he also missed five games. In 2020 Davis played 14 games for the Lions (four starts), and posted 46 total tackles.

Davis departed in 2021 free agency for a decent one-year deal with the New York Jets, and continued to struggle last season (nine games, five starts, 25 total tackles).

Lions head coach Dan Campbell almost immediately expressed admiration for Davis after being hired in 2021. But no one in the organization begrudged him when he left for that solid contract from the Jets.

Davis is back in Detroit after signing a one-year deal this offseason. He’ll compete for a spot in a linebacking corps where nothing should be promised to anyone.

Grade: C- (and could improve)