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Detroit Lions Draft CB Jamal Agnew In Fifth Round

By Colton Wesley

Sep 5, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego State Aztecs wide receiver Mikah Holder (85) fails to catch a pass in the end zone while being defended by San Diego Toreros cornerback Jamal Agnew (26) during the first half at Qualcomm Stadium. The Aztecs won 37-3. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 5, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego State Aztecs wide receiver Mikah Holder (85) fails to catch a pass in the end zone while being defended by San Diego Toreros cornerback Jamal Agnew (26) during the first half at Qualcomm Stadium. The Aztecs won 37-3. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Detroit Lions took a cornerback for the second time in the 2017 NFL Draft, selecting Jamal Agnew from San Diego in the fifth round on Saturday.

The Detroit Lions added to their defensive backfield in the fifth round of the NFL Draft on Saturday, picking cornerback Jamal Agnew from San Diego.

Agnew is a speedster, clocking in at 4.34 in the 40-yard dash at his pro day. He is undersized, at only 5’9″ and 186 pounds, but grades out above average in almost every other measurable.

He is an exceptional athlete who started all four years at San Diego and was a first-team all-conference point guard and a sprinter. He picked up two interceptions and 24 pass breakups and passes defended in 2016. Agnew visited the Lions before the draft.

Lance Zierlein of NFL.com cited Agnew’s size as his biggest concern in his draft profile, saying:

"Too small to play on the outside and lacks the weight that teams typically want from slot corners who are forced into tackling roles in today’s game. Has short limbs and small hands."

He added, however, that Agnew does play bigger than his size:

"Is extremely physical when challenging the catch… Aggressive in run support and looks to power through blockers to meet runners near backfield. Plays with tough field demeanor."

Agnew will likely not be expected to contribute right away, as the Lions’ also added free agent D.J. Hayden and second-round pick Teez Tabor this offseason in addition to returning starters Darius Slay, Nevin Lawson and Quandre Diggs, but his speed and athleticism give him the opportunity to contribute right away on special teams, perhaps as a return man, where he also played at San Diego.

NEXT: Full Lions Draft Coverage on Detroit Jock City

Unless a trade occurs, the Lions’ next pick will be the 21st pick in the sixth round, 205th overall.

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