Latest Lions draft pick speaks, so does Mayhew and Schwartz

Here’s some comments from 5-foot-10, 182-pound Bill Bentley, a Louisiana Lafayette cornerback, during a teleconference tonight with the Detroit media:

Bentley on size, being underestimated: 

“It’s not about size, it’s about what’s inside of you.”

Bentley on facing Oklahoma State standout receiver Justin Blackmon in the Senior Bowl – a performance that impressed Lions GM Martin Mayhew and coach Jim Schwartz:

“I always have thought I could play. When I get in those types of situations, I’ve always tried to step up.”

Mayhew on Bentley:

“Our coaches have liked him, our scouts have liked him for a while. He will throw his body around – all 182 pounds of him.”

Schwartz on Bentley’s transition to the NFL:

“Well, when you go against a guy like Calvin (Johnson), it’s sink or swim pretty quickly. You better get used to it.”

Interesting tidbits: Both Mayhew and Schwartz said they couldn’t really comment on the state of the Lions defense right now since the team is in the middle of the draft and two weeks into the off-season program. ”I don’t know if we really feel anything to tell you the truth,” Schwartz said. … Bentley is a friend of current Lions cornerback Alphonso Smith, and is from the same hometown as UM’s Vincent Smith and former Wolverines receiver Martavious Odoms. …Schwartz didn’t appear worried about Bentley’s lack of size or bulk. The coach’s philosophy: “As long as (weight) doesn’t slow guys down.” … Bentley’s “Bill” nickname came from the “Lil’ Bill” character from the Bill Cosby show on the Nick Jr. network.

Here’s some more info on Bentley:

Dwight “Bill” Bentley
School: Louisiana-Lafayette
Position: cornerback
Ht.; Wt.: 5-foot-10, 182 pounds
Hometown: Pahokee, Fla.
Age: 22
2011 honors: This transfer from Dodge City Community College (Kan.) was named in 2011 to the All-Sun Belt Conference second team.
Key stat: Recorded a career-high 71 tackles (five for loss) during the 2011 season, picked off three passes and forced a fumble.