Utah State football: Detroit Lions draft CB Nevin Lawson

One of the top NFL prospects from Utah State will join two of his former rivals on Detroit's defense to start his NFL career.

Cornerback Nevin Lawson, a four-year starter for the Aggies, was selected Saturday in the fourth round, at No. 133 overall, by the Lions as they attempt to construct a playoff-caliber defense.

Lawson will join BYU products Ziggy Ansah and second-round pick Kyle Van Noy in Detroit.

Born in Jamaica and raised in Florida, Lawson was a two-time all-conference defensive back for the Aggies. In his senior year, he evolved into the team's top corner, grabbing four interceptions, breaking up 13 passes and totaling 57 tackles. He played in 49 games during his career, one of the most seasoned Aggies on the 2013 team.

Lawson played in the East-West Shrine Game, the Senior Bowl, and was invited to the NFL Combine following his playing career. Although he's shorter than most at 5-foot-9, Lawson didn't let his measurables affect his confidence.

"My height never bothered me, you know what I'm saying?" he said in a conference call. "It's not how big you are, it's how big you play." 

Following Maurice Alexander's selection earlier in the fourth round, Lawson was the second Utah State DB to be drafted, and the Aggies' second corner in as many years following Will Davis last year.

The Lions see him as a candidate to lock down slot receivers.

""You put the tape on, this kid can run," Lions GM Martin Mayhew said in a conference call. "His play speed is faster than his time speed in the 40 at the combine. He's very productive, solid in man-to-man coverage."

kgoon@sltrib.com

Twitter: @kylegoon