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Lions upgrade linebacking corps with Jarrad Davis

Rob Foldy / Getty Images Sport / Getty

The Detroit Lions have selected linebacker Jarrad Davis out of Florida with the 21st pick in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft.

The Florida product will likely take the place vacated by veteran linebacker DeAndre Levy, who was released this offseason. Davis is an ideal fit at middle or weakside linebacker in Detroit's 4-3 system.

In a surprising move, Davis comes off the board before Alabama linebacker Reuben Foster, who appeared to be the consensus top player available at his position.

Jarrad Davis Bio

Position: LB
School: Florida
College Experience: Senior
Height: 6-1
Weight: 238 lbs.

Strengths

  • Davis ran a blazing 4.56 40-yard dash at his Pro Day, showing elite-level straight-line speed for his position.
  • Could play inside linebacker, or outside linebacker in a 4-3 scheme.
  • Does a great job of wrapping up ball carriers in the open field.
  • Davis is adept at disengaging from blockers.
  • Tracks down ball carriers with great closing speed.

Weaknesses

  • Davis suffered a leg injury in October and is still working his way through the recovery process.
  • Davis will miss tackles in trying to make a tremendous play, when a simpler angle would work better.
  • There are concerns that Davis will get overpowered at the next level, being relatively undersized for a pro linebacker.

Pro Day Results*

Event Result 
40-yd Dash 4.56 sec
Bench Press N/A
Vertical Jump 38.5 inches
Broad Jump 129 inches
3-Cone Drill N/A
20-yd Shuttle N/A

*All pro day results are unofficial

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