Detroit Lions: 30 Best Draft Picks in Team History
By Eli Kaplan
5. ****Doak Walker (running back, wide receiver, kicker) – The player appearing at #5 on the countdown wasn’t technically an original draft pick of the Detroit Lions. He was drafted third overall by the New York Bulldogs in the 1949 NFL draft, but the Lions acquired his rights shortly after.
Since the Lions quickly acquired his draft rights, and because he was “Mr. Everything” during his career, (which was played entirely in a Lions uniform), I have included him in this list.
Perhaps you’ve heard of him? His name is Doak Walker.
Doak Walker had a short, and extremely productive as a Detroit Lion. He played six seasons (from 1950 – 1955), and during that time Walker was involved in all aspects of the Detroit Lions offense, and special teams (and he played on defense as well).
Walker rushed for over 1,500 yards, had over 2,500 yards receiving, averaged over 39 yards per punt, maintained a 96% success rate on PAT’s, threw a few touchdowns, and even scored a few times on kick returns throughout his playing career.
For all intents and purposes Doak Walker WAS the Detroit Lions from 1950-1955. He was also a five-time Pro Bowl selection, twice NFL champion, and elected to the Hall of Fame in 1986.
If only he could have played for the Lions for a few decades. Then, maybe they would have already appeared in a Super Bowl by now.
Next: Number 4