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.