Tyler Lockett, Justin McCay

Kansas State's Tyler Lockett is a speedy slot receiver who carries an impressive resume as a return man.

(AP File Photo)

Leading up to the 2015 NFL draft, MLive.com writers Justin Rogers and Kyle Meinke will preview prospects who could be a fit for the Detroit Lions.

Name: Tyler Lockett

Position: Wide receiver

School: Kansas State

Height: 5-foot-10

Weight: 182 pounds

Projected round: Third

40-yard dash time: 4.40 seconds

Bench press reps: Didn't participate

Key stats: Lockett steadily improved all four years at Kansas State, culminating with 106 receptions for 1,515 and 11 touchdowns as a senior. Sporadically used as a punt returner his first three seasons, he took over the duties full time in 2014 with stellar results. On 21 boots, he averaged 19.1 yards and scored twice.

How he fits: The Lions didn't get enough production out of their third and fourth receivers last season. Lockett is speedy slot option who runs crisp routes and has a knack for finding open space.

He also had a spectacularly low drop rate, just 2.2 percent, during his college career. To top his resume off, Lockett offers big-play ability as a return man. Handling both punts and kickoffs for the Wildcats, he found the end zone six times on special teams.

At his size, durability is always going to be a concern. That said, he missed just one game due to injury (hamstring) his final three college seasons.

Quotable: "The more I look at the depth of this WR class, the more I believe someone is going to get a steal in KSU WR Tyler Lockett. Always open!" -- Daniel Jeremiah, NFL Network, former scout

"Highly competitive with a history of production at Kansas State. Utilizes great routes and suddenness out of his breaks to get consistent separation. Lockett is a film rat who can come in and compete for a slot receiver spot right away and should be an NFL punt returner." -- Lance Zierlein, NFL.com

"Look at T.Y. Hilton, look at Andrew Hawkins, look at Antonio Brown ... I can go down the line. These are some of the top players in the league now that are excelling. All you need is the opportunity in a good system. If you get put in a great system with a team that knows how to utilize you, that's all you can ask for." -- Lockett on concerns about his size.