Each spot in the NFL draft has as much a chance to be a Hall of Fame talent as it does to be a roster cut in training camp. Don’t check our math on that, just run with the idea in your head as we get to the fun stuff.
The Lions are drafting later than they have in recent memory after an NFC Championship performance that saw them on the doorsteps of greatness.
This 2024 NFL Draft class could be huge for the Lions. They have done a tremendous job addressing a lot of areas of need in free agency and via trade, the draft could provide the depth and plug-and-play starters they need. The question is though, at pick 29 what type of player are they likely to get? We went back 10 years to paint that picture and to be honest, it isn’t great.
2013: Cordarrelle Patterson
Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Team: Minnesota Vikings Position: Wide Receiver Career Notes:
- Currently on the Pittsburgh Steelers after being with the Falcons
- Switched to Running Back
- Made seven All-Pro teams as a returner
2014: Dominique Easley
Dominique Easley #2 of the Florida Gators celebrates after sacking Teddy Bridgewater #5 of the Louisville Cardinals in the first quarter of the Allstate Sugar Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 2, 2013 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Team: New England Patriots Position: Defensive Lineman Career Notes:
- Played five years in the NFL for Patriots and Rams
- Super Bowl XLIX Champion
- 6.5 career sacks
2015: Phillip Dorsett
. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
Team: Indianapolis Colts Position: Wide Receiver Career Notes:
- Has played for seven teams in his career
- Currently on the Denver Broncos
- Super Bowl LIII Champion
2016: Robert Nkemdiche
Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Team: Arizona Cardinals Position: Defensive Lineman Career Notes:
- Played six years in the NFL for five teams
- 4.5 career sacks
- Currently a member of the Edmonton Elks
2017: David Njoku
Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Team: Cleveland Browns Position: Tight End Career Notes:
- Just signed a contract extension with Cleveland Browns
- Made first Pro Bowl in 2023
- 25 career touchdown receptions
2018: Taven Bryan
Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Team: Jacksonville Jaguars Position: Defensive Lineman Career Notes:
- Played for three teams over the last six years
- Played 17 games for the Colts last season
- Currently a free agent
2019: L.J. Collier
Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Team: Seattle Seahawks Position: Defensive Lineman Career Notes:
- Was drafted with the pick the Chiefs sent the Seahawks for Frank Clark
- Entering his sixth year in the NFL as a member of the Cardinals
- Has three sacks in his career
2020: Isaiah Wilson
Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Team: Tennessee Titans Position: Offensive Tackle Career Notes:
- Played in one career game
- Cut after one year in Tennessee
- Has not been in the NFL since 2021 due to off-the-field issues
2021: Eric Stokes
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Team: Green Bay Packers Position: Cornerback Career Notes:
- Remains on the Green Bay Packers
- Played just 12 games in the last two seasons due to injury
- One career interception and 14 pass breakups
2022: Cole Strange
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Team: New England Patriots Position: Guard Career Notes:
- Started every game for the Patriots since being drafted
- 66.2 pass-blocking grade from PFF
- 57.7 run-blocking grade from PFF
2023: Bryan Bresee
(Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
Team: New Orleans Saints Position: Defensive Lineman Career Notes:
- Played in every game for the Saints during his rookie year
- 4.5 sacks in his rookie season
- 4 pass deflections as a rookie