Lions trade up to select Boston College safety Will Harris in third round

Allen Park — The Detroit Lions used one of their two sixth-round picks to move up seven spots in the third round and select Boston College safety Will Harris. 

A three-year starter, Harris was selected as a captain by his teammates last season. He earned third-team All-ACC honors after recording 75 tackles and an interception. 

The 6-foot-2, 210-pound Harris went on to test well at the scouting combine in February, running a 4.41-second, 40-yard dash and putting up 20 reps in the bench press. 

He joins a deep depth chart in Detroit, headed by Quandre Diggs and last year's third-round pick Tracy Walker. Experienced veteran Tavon Wilson and special teams standout Charles Washington are also in the mix. 

Harris' time at Boston College overlapped with Lions defensive coordinator Paul Pasqualoni, who coached the team's defensive line in 2016 and 2017. 

Meet Will Harris
 

Position: Safety

College: Boston College

Round/overall: 3/81

Notable stats: Only five interceptions in four college seasons, but 22 tackles.

Analysis: Another culture selection for the Lions, Harris was a team captain at Boston College, a place the Lions organization knows very well. Lions defensive coordinator Paul Pasqualoni was on staff for two of Harris' seasons in Chestnut Hill. A four-year starter in college, Harris impressed across the board at the combine. Bob Quinn said he expects Harris to be able to back up several positions in the secondary right away, a trait valued by the organization, in addition to a projected coverage role on special teams.