The Detroit Lions are one of four NFL teams to have never played in a Super Bowl, but it’s not for lack of quality players. Here’s a look at the 30 best draft picks in Lions history.
May 8, 2014; New York, NY, USA; Detroit Lions former running back Barry Sanders announces tight end Eric Ebron (North Carolina) as the tenth overall pick in the first round of the 2014 NFL draft by the Detroit Lions during the 2014 NFL draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
The Detroit Lions have had their share of busts but here are the team’s top 30 NFL Draft picks in franchise history, including a handful of current players.
What you will find in this list is a mix of former players and current players, players who had long Lions careers and players who made their names playing for other franchises.
You’ll even find some Matt Millen draft picks. Gasp, I know!
Take a look and let us know what you think by leaving a comment in the comment section below or hit up the Detroit Jock City Twitter or Facebook account. Just remember, lists like this are just for fun and nothing to get angry over.
Now on to the list…
Next: Number 30
30. Y.A. Tittle (quarterback) – This list of best Detroit Lions draft picks is short on quarterbacks, so imagine if YA Tittle had spent the majority of his hall of fame career in Detroit? Titillating, isn’t it? Detroit drafted him sixth overall in the 1948 draft (incidentally, future Lion legend Bobby Layne was the first quarterback selected that year).
Unfortunately, Yelberton Abraham Tittle never played a down as a Lion. He began his playing career with the Baltimore Colts of the AAFC (All-America Football Conference). The Colts joined the NFL in 1950, but folded after that season.
The San Francisco 49ers drafted him in 1951, and not long after, his career took flight. Here’s just some of what the Lions missed out on. Tittle was a seven-time pro bowler, and a four-time MVP.
He lead the New York Giants to three straight Eastern Division titles, threw for a (then) record 36 touchdown passes in 1963, (threw for 242 career touchdowns and 33,070 yards overall) and and became the first professional football player to be on the cover of Sports Illustrated (1954).
Ultimately, Tittle was elected to the Pro Football Hall Of fame in 1971. While the Lions missed out on Tittle’s entire playing career, think of what could have been, if the Lions had held onto him.
If Tittle had spent his playing career with the Lions, they most likely would have missed out on Bobby Layne’s fantastic career as the Detroit quarterback. Of course, if the Lions never had Layne, they also would have missed out trading Layne – and the infamous Bobby Layne Curse!
Next: Number 29
29. Otto Graham (quarterback) – Yet another amazing quarterback in the “what could have been” category, Otto Graham never played a down for the Detroit Lions, but he was an official draft pick. The Lions selected Graham with the fourth overall pick in the 1944 NFL draft.
Though originally chosen by Detroit, Graham signed a contract to play for Paul Brown and the Cleveland Browns of the AAFC. The move paid great dividends for the Browns, and the Lions missed out on a Hall Of Fame career.
Graham went on to a dominant career as the Browns quarterback. From 1946-1955, he (and the Browns) became four-time AAFC champions, and three-time NFL champions. They reached the Championship game every year of Graham’s career.
Graham, himself, was twice MVP of the AAFC and three times MVP of the NFL. He was also a Pro Bowl selection every year from 1950-1954.
Graham passed for 174 touchdowns in his storied career and 23,584 yards. His record as quarterback with the Browns was an incredible 114-20-4, and 9-3 in playoff games. He was inducted into the Pro Football in 1955.
The game of football, and the quarterback position itself, has changed quite a bit since Graham’s playing days. Many of his passing records have since been broken.
Even so, Graham still holds the record for highest yards per pass attempt (9), and highest winning percentage for an NFL starting quarterback.
Since Graham’s retirement (more than half a century ago), the Browns have had minimal playoff success. Incidentally, the Detroit Lions have had even less.
Next: Number 28
28. Fred Biletnikoff (wide receiver) – Before Charlie Sanders, Herman Moore, and Calvin Johnson, the Detroit Lions had another receiving gem in their organization. His name was Fred Biletnikoff.
Biletnikoff was chosen by the Detroit Lions, with the 39th overall selection (3rd round) of the 1965 NFL draft. But he never signed with the Lions, opting instead to join the Oakland Raiders, after being selected 11th overall in the 1965 AFL draft.
The Lions again missed out on a Hall Of Fame talent, as Biletnikoff went on to have a storied career with Oakland (fourteen seasons).
Biletnikoff finished his career with 589 receptions, 8,974 yards receiving, and 76 touchdowns.
He was selected to the pro bowl six times, and became a Super Bowl champion, as well as Super Bowl MVP, in 1977 at Super Bowl XI.
Biletnikoff flourished, helped revolutionize the receiver position, and compiled gaudy numbers, even while playing all but one of his seasons during the time of 14 game seasons.
His mark of 10 straight seasons of 40 or more receptions is still a record to this day.
While the Detroit Lions have a rich history of standout receivers, it could have been a bit richer if Biletnikoff had spent his career with them.
Next: Number 27
27. Eddie Murray (kicker/punter) – Jason Hanson was the most special of Detroit Lions special teams forces from 1992-2012. But before the Hanson era, the Lions had the Eddie Murray era.
In the 7th round of the 1980 NFL draft (#166 overall), the Lions selected Murray, out of Tulane. Murray would go on to play for the Chiefs, Buccaneers, Cowboys, Eagles, Redskins (twice), Vikings, and Cowboys, but he spent the bulk of his career with Detroit (1980-1991).
Murray would go on to become a 2-time pro bowl selection, the sixteenth highest overall scorer in NFL history, and a Super Bowl champion (NOT with the Lions of course).
Most of Murray’s Detroit Lions kicking records have since been passed by Jason Hanson, but Murray is still amongst the leaders in career points (2nd), extra points – career (2nd), extra points – season (3rd), career field goals (2nd), most field goals in a game (2nd most, with five), and highest field goal percentage for a season (3rd and 4th best).
Lions fans have a high standard for kickers, due to the great career Jason Hanson had, but before Hanson, Eddie Murray established an excellent standard of his own. As a result, the Murray pick should be remembered fondly.
Next: Number 26
26. Jerry Ball (defensive tackle) – Jerry Ball – the big man in the middle of the Detroit Lions defensive line – was a hard man to forget, and equally difficult to play against.
The Lions drafted him in the third round (63rd pick overall) of the 1987 NFL draft. He played with Detroit from 1987-1992, before going on to play short stints with the Cleveland Browns, Los Angeles Raiders, and Minnesota Vikings (on which he was a key contributor who helped lead the Vikings to a 15-1 regular season record in 1998).
But Ball did the bulk of his damage while playing in a Lions uniform. He was a three-time Pro Bowl selection – all with Detroit – in 1989, 1990, and 1991.
Ball was renowned for his run-stuffing talent, as well as his abilities to be double and triple teamed by opposing linemen, and still be effective. The extra attention paid to him by opposing offenses would also inevitably give other defensive line teammates more opportunities.
Though Ball was known for stuffing the run, he was also able to get penetration from his nose tackle position, as evidenced by his 32.5 career sacks.
The Lions have had a handful of great defensive linemen through the years, but few as memorable in style, shape, and effectiveness as Jerry Ball.
Next: Number 25
25. Kevin Glover (center) – Yet another successful interior lineman, this time on the offensive side of the ball, center Kevin Glover helped pave rushing lanes and protect quarterbacks for 13 seasons with the Detroit Lions.
If not spectacular, Glover’s play was most definitely steady. Barry Sanders never had dominant offensive lines on par with those that Cowboys legend Emmitt Smith ran behind. But Sanders could (and did) rely on Glover to be instrumental in a potent Detroit rushing attack.
The Lions drafted Glover in the 2nd round of the 1985 draft, with the 34th overall pick. Though much of Glover’s career was tied to the success of others, he earned individual accolades as well. He was a three-time Pro Bowl selection from 1995 – 1997, and he was also a four-time All-Pro.
Glover’s steadiness could also be measured by the fact that he could (just about) always be counted on to take the field. From 1988-1997, Glover started all but 9 games.
One of the lasting memories of Glover’s career occurred in 1997, when he (and the rest of the Lions offensive line) was instrumental in Barry Sanders’ 2053 yards rushing, all while making a successful push to get into the playoffs.
Next: Number 24
Photograph: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
24. Dominic Raiola (center) – The Lions didn’t have to wait too many seasons before finding their next reliable center. Detroit selected Raiola in the 2nd round (50th overall) of the 2001 NFL draft, and neither side looked back.
Perhaps Raiola was destined to wear the honolulu & blue (he was born in Honolulu), but whatever the reason, he would play his entire career (from 2001-2014) with the Lions.
If Glover was blended in with his steady play, Raiola somehow managed to stick out. He was a polarizing figure to many Detroit fans. Never one to bite his tongue, many viewed Raiola as a fiery, outspoken leader, on Detroit teams that often needed just that type of attitude.
Still, others saw Raiola as a loudmouth, who struggled to maintain his composure, and keep his emotions in check.
Raiola’s career had plenty of ups and downs. He was the starting center during the Lions infamous 0-16, 2008 season. On the other hand, Raiola became the first player in Lions history to start 200 games.
If the Lions wanted to upgrade at the center position, they certainly had several opportunities (and years) to do it. Raiola’s legacy is complicated, but his place on a list of best Lions draft picks, is hard to deny. It’s also hard to ignore how the center position (Travis Swanson) has struggled in Raiola’s absence.
Next: Number 23
23. Jeff Backus (offensive tackle) – Dominic Raiola saw many changes to the often subpar offensive lines of the Detroit Lions, but he could count on Jeff Backus being nearby for most of his career. The fact that Backus lined up at left tackle, such a crucial position in protecting the health and longevity of quarterbacks, allows him to be place higher on this list of best draft picks than his interior lineman teammates.
The Lions selected Backus in the first round of the 2001 draft (18th overall), in the same year they drafted Raiola. Again, neither side looked back. He would go on to play his entire career in a Detroit Lions uniform, from 2001-2012.
Backus is another polarizing player among Lions fans. Many admired his steadiness and viewed him as an underrated and slightly under-appreciated player, while others felt his play was merely satisfactory as best.
One thing that cannot be denied, and adds to his value as a great draft pick, is the fact that Backus started, and played in an amazing 186 consecutive games in his Detroit Lions career.
That type of reliability and toughness, combined with the fact that Backus was a left tackle – a position of importance that can’t be overstated – cements him firmly on the best draft picks list.
Next: Number 22
22. Al Baker (defensive lineman) – A best draft picks list is only made better with a “Bubba”, and Al “Bubba” Baker made things much better for Lions fans (while making things much worse for opposing quarterbacks) during his time in Detroit.
The Lions selected Baker, out of Colorado State, with the 40th overall pick (2nd round) on the 1978 NFL draft. Baker spent a short, but fantastic, five seasons with the Lions, before going on to play (and play well) for the St. Louis Cardinals, Cleveland Browns (twice), and Minnesota Vikings.
Baker was a man truly ahead of his time, because although the NFL didn’t start officially keeping track of quarterback sacks until 1982, Baker was very busy sacking quarterbacks in the NFL.
In his very first season with the Lions, Baker (unofficially) recorded 23 quarterback sacks (including 5 in one game). He would unofficially record 16, 18, and 10 sacks respectively in the next three seasons with Detroit, before the NFL started to officially record sacks in 1982 (Baker’s final season with the Lions).
Baker was voted the NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Year in 1978, and he was also a three-time Pro Bowl selection. Even if Baker didn’t officially get credit for all his sacks, his impact on the game, and place among the Lions best draft picks is undeniable.
Next: Number 21
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
Photograph: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
20. Ezekiel Ansah (defensive end) – A few seasons doesn’t make a career, unless you’re Gale Sayers or Billy Sims, but let’s not hold Ezekiel Ansah’s youth against him. Though Ansah has only played 41 games, or (almost) three seasons in his NFL career, he is already firmly on the list of best Lions draft picks ever. If he continues his career trajectory, there’s no telling how high, or how far, he can go.
The Lions selected Ansah with the fifth overall pick of the 2013 NFL draft. Most everyone (fans and analysts alike) agreed that Ansah had incredible untapped potential, but pundits were divided on whether he would ever live up to his potential. He was seen by many as a risky “boom or bust” type pick.
Well, the Lions took that risk, and they must be quite happy they did. The rest of the league – not so much. Ansah has steadily improved every season of his young career, and he already has 29 sacks and 9 forced fumbles in a Lions uniform.
He currently leads the Lions with 13.5 sacks this season, and is tied for 2nd with JJ Watt (both .5 sack behind league leader Khalil Mack).
Ansah has a chance to become the first Lion to lead the NFL in sacks. Regardless, his career path appears to be on a meteoric rise and trajectory.
All the Lions (and Lions fans, players, and coaches) have to worry about is keeping Ansah healthy, happy, and in a Lions uniform. Ezekiel will take care of the rest.
Next: Number 19
19. Johnnie Morton (wide receiver) – The Lions haven’t had many standout receivers through the years, but they’ve had plenty of standout receivers, and Johnnie Morton is certainly one of them. Not to mention, any receiver who can help make Scott Mitchell look like an all-pro, deserves a place on this list.
The Lions selected Morton with the 21st overall pick in the 1994 NFL draft. He spent the majority of his career playing in a Lions uniform (from 1994-2001), before spending his last few seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers.
Morton gained 6,499 of his 8,719 career receiving yards, as a member of the Lions, as well as 469 of his 624 career receptions, and 35 of his 43 career receiving touchdowns.
Morton was an integral part of Detroit’s three-headed receiving monster, along with Herman Moore and Brett Perriman. The mere presence of Moore and Perriman (and of course Barry Sanders running), helped create favorable receiving matchups for Morton. But Morton did plenty on his own as well.
Even after Perriman’s departure (1996) and Sanders’ retirement, Morton had his very best statistical season in 1999 – his career high 80 catches, to go along with 1,129 yards receiving helped the Lions make the playoffs.
Next: Number 18
18. Alex Wojciechowicz (offensive lineman/linebacker) – Every best draft picks list can use a versatile, swiss army knife type player, and Alex Wojciechowicz is that man. Lions fans of today might not be able to recite his career statistics, or even pronounce his last name correctly (on the first try), but Wojciechowicz is much more than a jack-of-all-trades (master of none).
In fact, Wojciechowicz was a master of ALL trades, and he is the first Lion on this list (of those who played the majority of their careers with Detroit) who is also a member of the NFL’s Pro Football Hall of Fame.
The Lions selected Wojciechowicz with the sixth overall pick of the 1938 Draft. He played center in college (Fordham University), but he excelled on both offense and defense with the Lions from 1938-1946.
Wojciechowicz was a starter at center for the Lions, from day one. On defense he played linebacker full-time, even intercepting 7 passes in 1944. He finished his career with 19 total interceptions, and was a two-time All-Pro selection (both as a member of the Lions). In 1948 and 1949, Wojciechowicz would become a member of an NFL Championship team (as a Philadelphia Eagle, of course).
Next: Number 17
17. Billy Sims – (running back) – Another player in the “what could have been” category. This time it’s not for never playing for the Lions, but rather for not playing for them long enough. For better (and worse) any Lions fans (should) know the wonderful, sweet, but too short career of Billy Sims.
Billy Sims was the original #20 (okay, technically that was Lem Barney). But before Barry Sanders honored the #20 Lions jersey with a hall of fame rushing career, Billy Sims was on the same stellar career trajectory.
The Lions selected Sims with the first overall pick in the 1980. Sims won the Heisman Trophy in college at Oklahoma, and he was well on his way to an accomplished career in his first few seasons as a Lion.
His first two seasons, Sims rushed for 1,303 and 1,437 yards respectively. He also had 13 rushing touchdowns each year. In addition to piling up the stats rushing the football, Sims also gained over 1,000 yards (total) receiving in his first two seasons. Sims’ success led the Lions to playoff appearances in 1982 and 1983, while he was selected to the Pro Bowl in 1980, 1981, and 1982.
Unfortunately, Sims suffered a horrible knee injury in 1984, against the Minnesota Vikings. He would rehab extensively and attempt a comeback, but never return to NFL game action.
Though his career was short, Billy Sims is now, and will forever be, long-remembered as an all-time Lion great.
Next: Number 16
16. Robert Porcher – (defensive end) – Another “Lion for lifer”, Robert Porcher may have come from a small time school, but he was a big time player.
After excelling in college at South Carolina State, Porcher was selected by the Lions with the 26th overall pick of the 1992 draft. He would go on to play his entire career with Detroit, eventually retiring in 2004.
In between, Porcher built a terrific career for himself as a very talented and productive defensive end. Porcher was selected to the Pro Bowl on three separate occasions. He finished his career with 603 total tackles and a Lions record 95.5 quarterback sacks. Porcher’s 15 sacks in 1999, are also the most in any one Lions season (as recognized by the NFL). He also managed to record double-digit sack totals in a Lions record four consecutive season.
Porcher’s individual success also often translated to team success, as the Lions made the playoffs on five different occasions during his career (which is pretty impressive for a modern day Lion). Okay, the Lions lost every playoff game during that stretch. But still…
If prior players on this list like Raiola, Glover, and Backus, were consistently reliable, Porcher made a career for himself that proved to be consistently impressive.
Next: Number 15
15. Lomas Brown – (offensive tackle) – Scott Mitchell might not remember him that fondly, but Lions fans know the important value tackle Lomas Brown brought to the franchise during his playing career.
Lomas Brown played a long-time in the NFL, and for much of his career he performed at an extremely high level.
The Lions selected Brown with the sixth overall pick in the 1985 draft. Brown played with the Lions for eleven seasons (from 1985-1995), before continuing his career with brief stints as a member of the Arizona Cardinals, Cleveland Browns, New York Giants, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, respectively.
Brown was selected to the Pro Bowl on seven different occasions. His stellar blocking helped pave the way for many of Barry Sanders’ successful rushing seasons. He was an integral part of the offensive line that helped Sanders reach 2,000 yards (2,053 to be exact) in 1997. If Sanders was Superman, Brown and Kevin Glover were Batman and Robin, respectively.
Brown reached the playoffs four times as a Lion, all while staying durable and dependable (he only missed thirteen games in his eleven seasons as a Lion).
He would reach the pinnacle of sports (team) success when he won the 2002 Super Bowl, as a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Next: Number 14
Photograph: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
14. Matthew Stafford (quarterback) – Welcome to the countdown, your first Detroit Lions quarterback (at least one who actually suited up for the franchise). In fact, he currently suits up for the Lions (like it or not). Welcome fan (polarizing) favorite, quarterback Matthew Stafford.
Matthew Stafford is a player fans love, or love to hate. But regardless of your opinion of him, Stafford has accomplished more as quarterback than most Lions quarterbacks ever. And at 27 years old, he still has (presumably) a big chunk of his career ahead of him.
The Lions selected Stafford with the 1st overall pick of the 2009 NFL draft. The Lions were coming off of their infamous winless 2008 season, and needed a franchise quarterback to alter their future.
Stafford had his first two seasons as a Lion cut short by injury, and many skeptics were ready to label him an injury prone bust. Since that time, Stafford has proven to be a building block of the franchise. Local and national media still debate whether Stafford is a franchise quarterback, but his resume says he’s more than capable.
In his four (full) seasons as the Lions starting quarterback, Stafford has never thrown for less than 4,000 yards in a season. He has also led the Lions to two playoff appearances.
He is one of only five quarterbacks to throw for 5,000 yards in a season, and he reached 25,000 career passing yards faster than anyone in NFL history.
Stafford is far from perfect. His accuracy is inconsistent, his decision making isn’t always stellar, and he has yet to lead the Lions to playoff success (or a win). Regardless, he’s the best quarterback the Lions have had since Bobby Layne, and a future that is (possibly) bright.
Next: Number 13
13. Wayne Walker (linebacker) – For lucky #13, it’s time to honor a Lions player who has the distinction of being the worst field goal kicker (lowest all-time field goal percentage) in the history of the NFL.
I kid you not. But Wayne Walker has not made this list of best Lions draft picks due to his kicking ability, or rather inability (incidentally it should be noted that while Walker was a career 40% field goal kicker, he made 172 out of 175 PATs, which isn’t too shabby).
Wayne Walker is on the list for his long career as a solid linebacker. He was selected by the Lions with the 45th overall pick (4th round) in the 1958. Another “Lion for life”, Walker played his entire career with Detroit, from 1958-1972.
He went on to become a three-time Pro Bowl selection. Walker was voted the Lions defensive MVP in 1968. He compiled 14 career interceptions, and scored two touchdowns (once interception and once fumble return) as well. He is also ranks second all-time for games played in Lions history (behind Jason Hanson).
While Walker might be remembered in the NFL record books as the worst kicker in history, Lions fans should remember him for a solid, versatile, and consistent career.
Next: Number 12
12. Alex Karras (defensive lineman) – Every good draft picks list should include a true tough guy, and Alex Karras was one talented tough guy. Karras was an integral part of the Lions “Fearsome Foursome” defensive line, along with Roger Brown, Darris McCord, and Sam Williams.
His violent hands, powerful build, and arsenal of moves, allowed him to regularly send opposing backfields into chaos, quarterbacks running for their lives, and opposing offensive linemen falling every which way.
The Lions selected Karras in the first round of the 1958 NFL draft (10th overall). Before Karras played a down for the Lions, he signed a professional wrestling contract. But eventually (that same offseason), he signed with the Lions, and he quickly turned into a dominant force along Detroit’s line.
Karras played in a time, before sacks were an official statistic, but he regularly reigned havoc on opposing offenses. He still holds the team record for career fumble recoveries (with 17), and three times he helped lead the Lions defense to allow the 2nd least points per game (in 1962, 1969, and 1970 respectively).
Not only did Karras play at a high level, he also played (pretty much) all the time. In his twelve NFL seasons, and even though he was an aggressive player, playing in the trenches, Karras only missed one game due to injury.
Karras put the “fear” in “fearsome foursome”, as anyone who saw him play, or rather played against him, will tell you.
Next: Number 11
11. Roger Brown (defensive lineman) – It wouldn’t be a fearsome foursome if Alex Karras did all the work by himself. The other defensive tackle lining up next to him did more than shoulder the load. Roger Brown was an equally (if not more so) disruptive force along the Detroit Lions defensive line in the 1960’s. Brown was a large, explosive player that wreaked havoc wherever, and against whomever, he played.
Brown knew plenty about “fearsome foursomes”, as he was integral to the foursomes of both the Lions, and later the Los Angeles Rams – along with Deacon Jones, Merlin Olsen, and Lamar Lundy (though he has gone on record before to say that the Lions had the original “fearsome foursome”).
The Lions selected Brown with the 42nd overall pick (4th round) in the 1960 NFL draft. Brown played with the Lions from 1960-1966, before joining the Los Angeles Rams from 1967-1969.
Brown was the NFL’s first player to play over 300 pounds, and his unique combination of size, strength, speed, and skill allowed him to earn six NFL pro bowl selections.
In 1962, Brown was named the most Outstanding Defensive Lineman in the NFL. His retirement from the NFL gave opposing offenses reason to breathe a bit easier, but Lions fans find it difficult to forget the impact he had on the game.
Next: Number 10
Photograph: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
10. Ndamukong Suh (defensive tackle) – Roger Brown and Alex Karras had the skills, and luxury, to become part of a fearsome foursome, but Ndamukong Suh wasn’t so lucky. Regardless, Suh was game enough to become a fearsome onesome.
All by himself (well not exactly – he did have other teammates on the field with him, but you get the point) Ndamukong Suh transformed the performance, attitude, and perception of the Detroit Lions.
Suh’s other worldly talents, drive to succeed, and passion for the game, helped the Lions “restore the roar” of a blue collar town in need of an equally blue collar defense.
The Lions selected Suh with the 2nd overall pick in the 2010 draft. He played five seasons for the Lions, excelling in each one, despite increased attention from opposing offenses.
Though Suh is only 28 years old, and still in the prime of his career, he has already been named to the Pro Bowl four times. He finished his Lions career with 36 sacks, 239 tackles, and a handful of personal fouls and fines.
Some fans and media alike view Suh as a reckless player that often lets his emotions get the better of him. But his large impact on the game, from a defensive tackle position, is astounding and undeniable.
If Lions fans have one (Suh) regret, it may be that the Lions didn’t find a way to re-sign him (though no one really wanted to pay him all that money did they?).
Next: Number 9
9. Joe Schmidt (linebacker) – Wearing jersey #56 as a linebacker doesn’t guarantee success in the NFL, but in the case of Joe Schmidt things seemed to work out just fine. Schmidt spent the better part of two plus decades as a Detroit Lions player (and later as a coach) giving opposing offenses fits.
The Detroit Lions selected him with the 85 overall pick (7th round) in the 1953 draft. Some teams were concerned that Schmidt wasn’t a physically imposing enough specimen to succeed at the NFL level as a linebacker.
Schmidt took the opportunity from the Lions and never looked back. He became a ten-time (that’s not a typo) Pro Bowl selection, twice an NFL champion, four times a team MVP, and a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Schmidt finished his career with 24 interceptions, but he was always a player who transcended numbers and statistics.
He used his speed to evade larger opponents, and was known around the league as incredibly sure-handed tackler. So when he got himself in position to make a play (which was often) he most often did just that.
Some of Schmidt’s greatest attributes as a player were his ability to think the game, anticipate plays, and call the correct defensive alignments at the right moment.
As a middle linebacker, Schmidt clearly advanced the importance of middle linebacker “quarterbacking” the defense.
Next: Number 8
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
7. Charlie Sanders (tight end/wide receiver) – The Detroit Lions have a pretty rich history of standout offensive players. However, tight end is not a one of those positions with a particularly impressive resume or depth. But there is one tight end who stands far above all others within the Lions organization. Charlie Sanders.
The Lions selected Sanders in the third round (74th overall) of the 1968 NFL draft, and he would go on to play his entire ten year career in Detroit, from 1968-1977.
Sanders played at a time when tight ends were not often utilized in the passing game, and yet his impressive skill-set, helped changed how head coaches and offensive coordinators (as well as opposing defenses) looked at the role of tight end.
By the time he retired, Sanders had compiled 336 career receptions, 4,817 receiving yards, and 31 career receiving touchdowns (ranking him 7th all-time in Lions history) . He was selected to the Pro Bowl seven times, and he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2007.
The Lions have been searching for their next Charlie Sanders ever since he retired. The fact that they have yet to find him anyone like him, shows just what a special talent Mr. Sanders was.
Next: Number 6
6. Lem Barney (cornerback) – Billy Sims was great for a short time, Barry Sanders was one of the greatest Lions ever, but Lem Barney was without a doubt the best (defensive) player to don the #20 jersey for the Detroit Lions.
Barney was drafted by the Lions in the 2nd round of the 1967 NFL draft (34th overall), and he would go on to play his entire 11 year career with Detroit, from 1967-1977.
Barney didn’t necessarily revolutionize the way corner-backs were viewed, he just excelled at the position more than most in the entire history of the NFL.
His impressive stats and list of accolades are staggering. He finished his career with 56 interceptions (including 10 picks for 232 return yards and 3 touchdowns in his rookie season). He had over 1000 interception return yards, and he scored 7 touchdowns via interception returns.
Additionally, Barney was used as a kick returner and punt returner, where he had three total return touchdowns. In 1967 and 1969 Barney even handled the punting duties for the team.
He was selected to the Pro Bowl seven times, and he was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1992.
The Lions haven’t always had the best defenses during their long history as a NFL franchise, but they definitely had one of the greatest corner-backs in NFL history in Lem Barney.
Next: Number 5
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
4. Herman Moore (wide receiver) – It’s one thing to put up big numbers as a receiver in an offense in which you’re the main focal-point. It’s another thing entirely to post gaudy individual numbers while being just one of several weapons on offense.
If you’re familiar with the career of Herman Moore, then you know just what I’m talking about. Moore posted some jaw-dropping numbers as a receiver, throughout much of his career as a Detroit Lion. And he did it all while sharing catches and opportunities with other standouts Brett Perriman, Johnnie Morton and Barry Sanders.
The Lions selected Moore with the 10th overall pick of the 1991 NFL draft. He went on to play all but one of his 146 career games in a Lions uniform. By the time he retired, Moore had compiled an impressive resume of statistics, and many of his numbers still maintain a high-standing in team history.
Moore finished his career with 670 receptions, 9,174 yards receiving, and 62 career receiving touchdowns. He was a four-time pro-bowler.
In Lions history, Moore has the 2nd most receiving touchdowns, 2nd most career receiving yards, and 2nd most career receptions (placing first in all of those categories, at the time of his retirement).
While records are made to be broken, few players are special enough to set so many distinguished records. Herman Moore was one such player, and he was a very special Detroit Lion.
Next: Number 3
3. Jason Hanson (kicker) – I know what you’re thinking. He’s just a kicker. You can’t put a kicker this high on a list of best draft picks. He’s just a kicker!
Well that’s probably something similar to how many Lions fans felt when Detroit drafted Hanson with the 56th overall pick (2nd) in the 1992 NFL draft. You can’t take Hanson that high in the draft. You just can’t. He’s just a kicker. Is this thing on?!?
Jason Hanson was just a kicker. But he was a really good kicker, a really good player, and he played for the Lions for a really long time.
From 1992-2012 Hanson was the Lions steady kicker. His 495 career field goals made is #3 all time in the NFL, and his 2,150 points scored is #4 all-time in NFL history.
Hanson was a two-time Pro Bowl selection, and he still holds virtually every Lions kicking record there is, including most career points, most points in a season, most extra points in a season and a career, most field goals in a season and a career, and highest field goal percentage in a season and a career.
What’s more, Hanson is the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th place leader in most of the Lions categories as well.
As far as kicking/scoring/and special teams go, it didn’t get much more special than Jason Hanson of the Detroit Lions.
And if you ever forget that, and say to yourself, but he’s just a kicker, remind yourself how the Lions kicking game floundered the first season after Hanson retired.
Remember Nate Freese? Remember Alex Henery? Not nearly as special as Jason Hanson.
Next: Number 2
Photograph: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
2. Calvin Johnson (wide receiver) – ”Megatron is a character from the Transformers franchise, created by Hasbro… He is a sentient robotic lifeform from the planet Cybertron… Megatron is usually depicted as having risen up from the lowly worker to become a champion in gladiatorial combat”.
The above passages, are just a small part of the Wikipedia page about Megatron. But they should give you plenty of insight into how well respected Calvin Johnson is, in Detroit Lions and NFL circles alike.
Who else do you know who can say their popular nickname (not self-anointed) depicts them as a champion of gladiatorial combat? I’m a pretty decent writer, but no one ever says that about me.
When the Lions selected Johnson with the 2nd overall pick in the 2007 draft, they must’ve known they were getting a special talent, but did they know he was this special?
Johnson is a five-time Pro Bowl selection, the fastest receiver to reach 10,000 career receiving yards, and the only player in NFL history with 5,000 plus yards receiving a three year period.
His list of accomplishments and records, both Lions and NFL records, are already lengthy and impressive. And while some skeptics think Megatron is slowing down, he’s still only 30 years old. He should have terrific seasons ahead, assuming the Lions can block long enough for their quarterback to throw the ball.
And just because Megatron never complains, doesn’t mean you should take his talents for granted.
Next: Number 1
1. Barry Sanders (running back) – Speaking of taking things for granted, no Lion was more loved, while at the same time, more taken for granted, than the #1 best draft pick in Detroit Lions history – Barry Sanders.
Heck, even Barry Sanders own father only considered Sanders as the third best running back of all time. While the merit of such an idea is debatable, few will argue that Barry was the best Detroit Lion to ever play.
When the Lions selected Sanders, with the third overall pick in the 1989 draft, he had video game-like numbers.
During his final season at Oklahoma State, Sanders rushed for over 2,800 yards and 42 touchdowns (in one season). It was easy to see why the Lions were giddy to get such a talent on their team.
But surely he couldn’t continue to excel at such high levels, in the NFL.
Except he did. Barry Sanders excelled to the highest degree, at every stage of his professional career. In ten seasons in the NFL, Sanders’ worst season was the 1993 campaign – he gained ONLY 1,115 yards rushing that season!
He finished his career (still in his prime) with 15,269 yards rushing, 99 rushing touchdowns, and a yards per carry average of 5.0. He was a ten-time Pro Bowl selection, an NFL MVP, a 2,000 yard rusher (in one season), and still today is the third-leading rusher in NFL history.
Next: Detroit Tigers All-Time 25-Man Roster
He holds virtually every Detroit Lions rushing record, and all while being a humble gentleman, a terrific teammate, and a good example for young kids, in doing things the right way – with class.
For those reasons (and many, many more) Barry Sanders is the head of this class – the best Detroit Lion to ever suit up.