The Detroit Lions surprised most of their fans when they selected defensive back Tracy Walker with pick 82 in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft. Not only did they draft a position that is stacked with returning players and new free agents, but Walker was a player most had never heard of because he played his college ball at Louisianna-Lafayette.

But Bob Quinn had heard of him, and not just because he is—second cousins with Darius Slay—and he was hoping Walker would be available to the Lions in the third round.

Quinn definitely looks “pumped” in the post-selection of Walker video. He and Lance Newark, director of player personnel for the Lions, excitedly celebrate the pick. Pride of Detroit pointed out their reaction:

Walker caught the Lions’ eye at the East-West Shrine practices, and with plays like this (video clip below) it’s easy to see why. Walker, a safety, illustrates smooth coverage skills and undercuts the route for an easy interception.

But the Lions staffers weren’t the only team paying attention to Walker; Football Game Plans‘ Emory Hunt also took notice. Hunt is a terrific draft analyst and is excellent at uncovering small school diamonds in the rough. Last year, he was one of, if not the first, person to identify the elite traits that made Jamal Agnew a special talent.

So has Hunt uncovered another dynamic player in Walker? Maybe Lions fans will feel more comfortable hearing from a Lions draft analyst that they trust, like local guru Jeff Risdon.

Quinn drafted Walker only six slots ahead of where Risdon had him ranked and is giving him an NFL comparison of Glover Quin. That’s rare air to be compared to one of the top five players on this team.

Walker, like Quin, has a background as a corner before switching to safety, has the positional versatility to play both safety spots, and should grow into a role early in his career.

Where Walker differs from Quin is in his physical makeup (taller and longer) and athleticism (less explosive but agiler). Walker also scored a full point higher in his RAS score (overall athleticism) than Quin.

But the praise for Walker doesn’t just exist locally and in small school scouting experts, the national media also spoke highly of him.

Mike Mayock of the NFL Network talked about Walker after the selection, “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.”

Dane Brugler of CBS Sports had this to say on Twitter:

Jonah Tuls of NDT Scouting (and noted Cowboys fan) tweeted this out after Walker visited Dallas:

So how does he fit on Detroit’s roster? It’s too early to say definitively, but given his skill set, body type, and the other player on the roster, he will likely get an opportunity to start at one of the three safety spots. Quin has one safety spot locked up but the others are very much up for grabs.

He could push Tavon Wilson and possibly Quandre Diggs for a deep-fsafety role next to Quin. Or more than likely, he would compete with DeShawn Shead and Miles Killebrew for snaps as a hang defender (third safety).

Because of his ability to cover tight ends and slot receivers, as well as being a sure tackler, my guess is he has an inside track to win the hang defender role. He may start the season in a rotation, but the likelihood of that role expanding as the season progresses is very high.