Detroit Lions: 30 Best Draft Picks in Team History
By Eli Kaplan
21. Shaun Rogers (defensive tackle) – If Jerry Ball was extra large, then Shaun Rogers was colossal, both in size and stature, as a Detroit Lion. Depending on who you believe, Shaun Rogers was 6’4”, and anywhere from 330 – 370 pounds, during his playing career.
The Lions believed enough in Rogers to make him the 61st overall pick (2nd round) in the 2001 draft. Rogers rewarded Lions fans, by crushing quarterbacks, flattening ball carriers, and overpowering opposing offensive linemen, for years to come.
Rogers compiled 29 of his 37.5 career sacks while in a Lions uniform, including a career best 7 sacks in 2007 (his final season in Detroit).
Though Rogers’ playing weight was always something Detroit coaches and management kept a watchful eye on off the field, Rogers found plenty of ways to be an effective force on the field.
In addition to his prowess at sacking the quarterback, from an interior defensive lineman position, Rogers would also compile 513 career tackles, 4 forced fumbles, and 1 very memorable interception. He was a three-time Pro Bowl selection, twice as a member of the Lions.
Rogers was a hard man to miss, on or off the field, but the current Detroit Lions defense looks like it could definitely use a player like him these days.
Next: Number 20