Defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham has been in the coaching business a long time, but he said he’s always struggled evaluating linebackers based solely on their college play.

So he wasn’t sure about Tahir Whitehead before the draft, but he certainly likes the fifth-round pick now.

“He’s much better than a fifth-round draft choice, he’s something,’’ Cunningham said on Monday.

Also seventh-round pick linebackerTravis Lewis, one of the three Oklahoma Sooners drafted by Detroit, has caught Cunningham’s eye.

“He doesn’t have the long speed at the Combine but he is really quick, he’s a very balanced athlete. He does a great job moving side to side, he’s brilliant,’’ Cunningham said.

Wide receiver Ryan Broyles, another Sooner, told Cunningham that Lewis is like that every day and he should know after playing with him for four years.

“They ran a conditioning test at the end of (Lions) rookie camp,’’ Cunningham said. “Travis was about 5 yards behind the leaders. Broyles looked at me, and Travis hit overdrive and won the thing. He said, ‘Coach that’s him, everyday he’s like that.’’’

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