2019 NFL Draft: Detroit Lions trade up 7 spots, draft DB Will Harris

The Detroit Lions have traded up from the 88th overall pick to the Minnesota Vikings’ 81st pick, and selected Boston College defensive back Will Harris.

The trade cost the Lions’ their second sixth-round pick (204), per ESPN’s Field Yates.

Harris likely projects to the strong safety position, giving the Lions some much-needed depth. He’s an athletic, team leader (voted captain his senior year) and a thumper of tackler. However, he hasn’t displayed a lot of ball skills as a pass defender, breaking up only four passes in his final two years at BC.

For the second straight year, the Lions have now selected a safety in the third round of the draft, and it will be interesting to see how Harris will be used with Tracy Walker and veteran Quandre Diggs. Both Walker and Harris have some position versatility, and we’ve already seen Diggs move around the defense a lot. Add in recently signed nickel corner Justin Coleman, and suddenly this defense could give a lot of different looks in the secondary.

Lions remaining picks

• Round 4, Pick 9 (111 overall)
• Round 5, Pick 8 (146 overall)
• Round 6, Pick 11 (184 overall)
• Round 7, Pick 10 (224 overall)
• Round 7, Pick 15 (229 overall)

Top remaining needs for Lions:

• Guard
• Cornerback
• Tight end
• Wide receiver
• EDGE
• Linebacker
• Safety
• Backup QB

NFL Draft schedule

Saturday

What: Rounds 4-7 of the NFL Draft
When: Saturday, April 27, Noon ET
Where: Nashville, TN
TV: NFL Network, ESPN, ABC
Time per pick: Rounds 4-6: 5 minutes; Round 7: 4 minutes

Estimated time of Lions picks:

• Pick 111 overall: ~12:36 p.m. ET
• Pick 146 overall: ~2:12 p.m. ET
• Pick 184 overall: ~3:55 p.m. ET
• Pick 224 overall: ~5:38 p.m. ET
• Pick 229 overall: ~5:49 p.m. ET