Professional Career
DeVries was selected by the Detroit Lions in the third round (70th overall) of the 1999 NFL Draft.
As a rookie DeVries played in just two games, due to a foot injury suffered during training camp. He made his NFL debut against the Washington Redskins on December 5, 1999. In 2000 season, he recorded 35 tackles. He earned his first career start against the New York Giants. In 2001, he started the season on the Physically-Unable-to-Perform (PUP) list while recovering from a blood clot suffered during an off-season workout. In 2002, he recorded his first career sack, sacking Minnesota Quarterback Daunte Culpepper for a loss of four yards. In 2003, he had a career best two starts and two forced fumbles. In 2004, DeVries was a member of the Lions' "wedge" on kickoff returns, helping block for kick returner Eddie Drummond, who finished the season the season ranked second in the NFL in kickoff returns. On the season DeVries had a career high three sacks. He also received the Ed Block Courage Award. In 2005, he again recorded three sacks. In 2006 he started a career best nine games, recording a career high 37 tackles. He recorded his first career safety after he touched down Patriots fullback Heath Evans in the endzone after Evans recorded a Tom Brady fumble. In 2007, he recorded a career high 6.5 sacks and three fumble recoveries and 54 tackles. In 2008, DeVries started nine games and recorded 45 tackles and two sacks. In 2009, he was placed on injured reserve before the start of the season with a torn Achilles tendon. After the season, on February 23, 2010 the Lions released him. However, he was re-signed on April 11.
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