Ranking Detroit Lions biggest draft gems of the last decade

2. OT Penei Sewell: First Round (No. 7 overall), 2021

The first draft pick of Holmes' tenure was one the Lions' draft room was very excited to get, to say the least. Sewell has become one of the best offensive tackles in the NFL, and arguably the best right tackle in the league, in just three seasons. He will not turn 24 until a month into next season (Oct. 9).

By PFF grades, Sewell was the No. 1 offensive tackle in the league overall (92.8) and as a run blocker (95.1) last season. Over the last two seasons, according to PFF, he has allowed just three sacks. When he gets his next contract, he may reset the top of the tackle market.

As was the case with Decker, teams envision a first-round pick offensive tackle becoming a core piece for years to come. Sewell has become that instantly based on his talent level, and he's become a more vocal leader along with being an on-field example and tone-setter to cement his place as a core player in Detroit.

1. WR Amon-Ra St. Brown: Fourth Round (Pick No. 112), 2021

With a nod to his being the 17th wide receiver taken in the 2021 draft, and the chip on his shoulder that gives him, "The Sun God" is atop the mountain here. He has been one of the most productive wide receivers in the NFL over the last three seasons, and his numbers would be even better if he hadn't started slowly as a rookie.

Along with his high level of production, St. Brown has a famous post-practice routine where he catches a couple hundred passes off a JUGS machine. So he's a leader, an example, etc. and a core piece of the team until further notice. On that note, he is set to become one of the highest-paid wide receivers before this offseason is over.

There's not a lot new that can be said about St. Brown. He could have been seen as a potential draft steal for whoever wound up with him in the 2021 draft. The Lions clearly saw the intangibles beyond his talent that would allow him to become a star in the NFL, and it has happened.