By Michael Stets
ALLEN PARK–After drafting two defensive players in rounds one and two of the 2017 NFL Draft, the Lions did so once more on day three, selecting Tennessee linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin in the fourth round with pick No.124.
Reeves-Maybin entered 2016 as a top prospect, but his senior season was cut short due to a shoulder injury, which sidelined him for all but four games.
In a conference call with Detroit reporters, Reeves-Maybin was asked about the status of his shoulder.
“It’s doing really good,” he said. “It was bothering me this past year, but it’s behind me now and I’m just looking forward to the season and playing football.”
Reeves-Maybin said he felt relief when he got the call from the Lions and found out he had officially become a pro. When he was just eight years old, his father, a basketball player at Louisville, was paralyzed in a car accident. That has given him perspective throughout his life and helped him during this whole process.
“I just know I can’t take anything for granted seeing my dad and how he’s dealt with in his life and things like that,” he said. “I was just focused on trying to not get too down on myself and always putting my best foot forward. I think my mom and dad both have prepared me for any types of struggles in life.”
The Clarksville, Tenn. native, a cousin of former Tiger Cameron Maybin, began his college career as a standout on special teams for the Vols, which is always added value for a rookie entering the NFL. “I definitely have the mindset and the willingness to be on all specials,” he said.
With the Lions drafting Florida linebacker Jarrad Davis in round one, how does he feel about joining forces with a player that was on a rival SEC school?
“I love it,” Reeves-Maybin told WJR. “I’m a fan of Jarrad Davis. We played him every year at Florida. I can definitely tell there is going to be a lot of competition between me and him probably. Not even on the field, but off the field because of the Florida, Tennessee thing. I’m definitely excited to get around him more and develop that relationship.”
His best season at Tennessee was in his junior year where he made 106 tackles with six sacks and two forced fumbles. Reeves-Maybin can play in the middle or at weakside and drew praise from scouts for his coverage ability, which is an area the Lions struggled at in 2016. Wherever Lions defensive coordinator Teryl Austin decides to put the fourth-round pick, he’ll be just fine with it.
“It doesn’t really matter to me. I’ve always just prided myself on being a well-rounded football player no matter what it was. I don’t know how much you know about me, but I was a High School quarterback. I just always prided myself on being able to play everything on the football field. Whatever position they put me in, no matter what linebacker spot I feel that I can succeed.”