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Detroit Lions: The best draft picks of the past decade

By Payne Schanski

NEW YORK - APRIL 29: The stage is shown at the 2006 NFL Draft on April 29, 2006 at Radio City Music Hall in New York, New York. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images)
NEW YORK - APRIL 29: The stage is shown at the 2006 NFL Draft on April 29, 2006 at Radio City Music Hall in New York, New York. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images) /
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NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell during the NFL draft at Radio City Music Hall in New York, NY on Saturday, April 28, 2007. (Photo by Richard Schultz/NFLPhotoLibrary)
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell during the NFL draft at Radio City Music Hall in New York, NY on Saturday, April 28, 2007. (Photo by Richard Schultz/NFLPhotoLibrary) /

The NFL Draft has been a mixed bag for the Detroit Lions over the past decade. Here’s a look at the most productive Lions from each of the last 10 drafts.

In one of my February posts, I noted that I think the Detroit Lions are only three pieces away from being true contenders to win the NFC.  At the NFL Draft next month, they’ll be looking to choose wisely and snag at least one of those pieces.

This week, I decided to take a look back at every Lions draft class from the past 10 years. Here are my votes for the best Lions draft pick from each year, dating back to 2008.

2017 (so far…) – Kenny Golladay, 3rd round

I’m all in with my conviction that Golladay is a future star at wide receiver. He was a highlight machine as a rookie, and doesn’t appear to be anywhere near his ceiling in terms of potential. Golladay showed a true knack for making clutch plays, and will be looking to build consistency in 2018.

Honorable Mention: Jamal Agnew (5th round)

2016- Taylor Decker?, 1st round

Yeah, this has been a pretty undistinguished crew so far. Graham Glasgow has started the most games. Anthony Zettel had the most impressive single season. A’Shawn Robinson made the most memorable play. There are still a few flat-Earthers out there who think Jake Rudock is the second coming of Tom Brady (another 6th round QB out of Michigan…gasp!) Decker is thought to have the most upside, and has always been a starter when not injured. For now, I’ll plug the first rounder in as the best pick, but we’ll see.

2015- Quandre Diggs, 6th round

Diggs had a surprising breakout season last year, but his spot here is more due to the disappointment of the other picks from this draft. First rounder Laken Tomlinson only lasted two years in Detroit, as did Michael Burton. Gabe Wright was only there for one year. Cornerback Alex Carter only played in one game.

It will be exciting if Diggs makes another leap in his development, but overall it’s not a great sign if a borderline starter is the best player from a team’s draft class.

2014- Eric Ebron, 1st round

Around Detroit, the name Eric Ebron has become synonymous with ‘guy who got picked wayyyyy higher than he should have’. During this off-season, Ebron’s name is still being thrown around as potential trade bait. Through four years, it looks pretty clear that Ebron won’t ever play up to his status as a top 10 pick, but he was actually pretty solid in 2017.

Both Ebron and Lions fans seem pretty ready to move on from each other. Production-wise though, the athletic tight end is still pretty easily at the top, as far as 2014 Lion draft picks go.

Honorable Mention: Travis Swanson (3rd round)

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