Safety Tracy Walker III, Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns.
Ht./Wt.: 6-1, 206.
Pick: 3rd round, 82nd overall
Workout results: From the Combine – 4.52 in the 40, 14 reps in the bench press, 33-inch vertical jump and 9 feet, 7 inches in the standing broad jump.
View photos of defensive back Tracy Walker.
Bio/stats: A redshirt in 2013 as a true freshman, Walker made his presence felt immediately in 2014 by playing in all 13 games and starting the last eight. It was the beginning of a productive career.
As a senior he led the team with 97 tackles and two interceptions. He had three games with 10 or more tackles, with a season best of 15 in the season finale – a 63-14 loss at Appalachian State that left Louisiana with a 5-1 record.
His height, long arms and big wingspan are assets, but he could bulk up a little.
Analyst's take: From Mike Mayock on NFL Network: "I like this pick. I think he's a free safety. He makes plays on the football. He runs the alley, and he tackles. He's one of those guys, you're not afraid to put him on the back end. He communicates."
Mike O'Hara's take: "I'd rate it the Lions' most surprising pick of the first two days but only because I thought the front seven on defense would be addressed ahead of the secondary, which has been the strength of the defense. A lot of good football players either are raised in the state of Louisiana or play for one of their colleges. It looks like there's more competition in the secondary than we expected. That's never a bad thing."
Tim Twentyman's take: "A long-armed safety with a lot of starting experience (42 games) over his career. He led Louisiana with 97 tackles last season, so he's not afraid to mix it up. It will be interesting to see how the Lions plan to use him. Is he a strong safety? Could he play some press corner at times (maybe the nickel) and be a sub-package weapon?"
