Ranking the Detroit Lions' last 10 first-round picks

6. T.J. Hockenson, TE, Iowa: No. 8 overall, 2019

Apparently defying the position value truthers is something Lions' general managers like to do. Quinn rankled those masses by taking Hockenson, a tight end (the blasphemy), eighth overall in 2019. His rookie season production (32 receptions for 367 yards, two touchdowns) did nothing to stop those critics.

Things clicked for Hockenson in Year 2 though, with 67 catches for 723 yards and six touchdowns as he earned a Pro Bowl nod. He followed that with another solid season in 2021 (61 receptions for 583 yards and four touchdowns).

As he moved toward getting a big contract, trading Hockenson became a thing as the 2022 trade deadline neared. Of course that happened when he was sent to the Minnesota Vikings. So a division rival got to be the team that paid him, as the Lions cleared their financial deck at tight end then drafted Sam LaPorta.

Hockenson was easy for Lions' fans to criticize for certain parts of his game during his time with the team. But he was a pretty productive player, despite there not always being stellar talent around him to take defensive attention away.

5. Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama: No. 12 overall, 2023

Gibbs stands as a shining example of Holmes not drafting based on need. The signing of David Montgomery in 2023 free agency bumped running back down the list of draft priorities, but after moving down from No. 6 overall Gibbs was the pick at No. 12.

For some draft analysts, Gibbs was the top running back in the 2023 class. The Lions managed his workload early in the season, much to the aggressive chagrin of the fantasy football community. He eventually took a bigger role, of course.

Gibbs finished his rookie season with 1,261 yards from scrimmage and 11 total touchdowns (10 rushing), and he followed with a rushing score in all three playoff games. He could be even better in his second season, with more work from the get-go.

Gibbs may deserve a higher spot on this list, but in deference to longevity he was edged out by the next man up.