2017 NFL Draft: Jarrad Davis drafted by Detroit Lions

The Florida Gators had to wait more than 20 picks but they continued a streak of having a player selected in the first round in 10 of the last 11 seasons when the Detroit Lions selected Jarrad Davis 21st overall.

Davis tallied 205 tackles during his four seasons with Florida, including 98 during his junior campaign. He also had 20 tackles for a loss; nine pass breakups, two forced fumbles, and 5.5 sacks.

“He’s got the physical traits” NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock said following the selection. “He’s today’s NFL linebacker. He’s tough, he’s physical and has great sideline-to-sideline speed.”

Davis is the first true UF linebacker to be selected in the first round since 1988 when the Cleveland Browns took Clifford Clifton 21st overall. Davis is the only Florida Gator on the Lions’ roster.

Nick de la Torre
A South Florida native, Nick developed a passion for all things sports at a very young age. His love for baseball was solidified when he saw Al Leiter’s no-hitter for the Marlins live in May of 1996. He was able to play baseball in college but quickly realized there isn’t much of a market for short, slow outfielders that hit around the Mendoza line. Wanting to continue with sports in some capacity he studied journalism at the University of Central Florida. Nick got his first start in the business as an intern for a website covering all things related to the NFL draft before spending two seasons covering the Florida football team at Bleacher Report. That job led him to GatorCountry. When he isn’t covering Gator sports, Nick enjoys hitting way too many shots on the golf course, attempting to keep up with his favorite t.v. shows and watching the Heat, Dolphins and Marlins. Follow him on twitter @NickdelatorreGC