Detroit Lions: 30 Best Draft Picks in Team History
By Eli Kaplan
8. Yale Lary (defensive back) – Aren’t the Detroit Lions always looking for good defensive backs? They’ve had a few good ones in recent years, and Darius Slay might even turn into a very good one, if he continues progressing as a player.
But back in 1952, the Lions found a one-of-a-kind defensive back who wasn’t just very good. He was fantastic. His name was Yale Lary.
The Lions selected Lary with 34th overall pick (third round) in the 1952 draft. He spent his entire career with Detroit, from 1952-1964, and he piled up the accolades. Lary was a nine-time Pro Bowl selection (two of his seasons – 1954 and 1955 – were interrupted for Army duty).
He became a three-time NFL champion, and he helped revolutionize and define the free safety position, amassing 50 interceptions in his career.
In addition to being a tremendous safety, Lary was also a punter of the highest caliber. He won punting titles in 1959, 1961, and 1963. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1979.
Lary’s game was as unique as his name, and the Lions must consider themselves lucky to have had such a special talent contributing to their organization.
Next: Number 7