The Detroit Lions made a significant impact this past season by reaching the NFC championship game, falling just short of the Super Bowl. Surprising many, they defied expectations with a strong performance, instilling hope not just for the upcoming season but for many to come.
With free agency and the draft looming, the Lions are diligently working to maintain their upward trajectory and dispel any notion that last season was a fluke. Their roster boasts a blend of promising young talent and seasoned veterans who form the core of the team. This was underscored by their impressive presence on PFF’s Top 101 player listing, where they boasted eight players-a testament to their quality and depth, second only to the San Francisco 49ers who had ten players recognized.
Here’s a rundown of the Lions players who made the list and their respective rankings.
84th: Brian Branch
Lions safety Brian Branch catches an interception from Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes during the second half of the Lions’ 21-20 win on Thursday, Sept. 7, 2023, in Kansas City, Missouri.
83rd: Jared Goff
Dec 30, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) reacts during the fourth quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
79th: Sam LaPorta
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – JANUARY 14: Sam LaPorta #87 of the Detroit Lions reacts after scoring a touchdown during the second quarter against the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Wild Card Playoffs at Ford Field on January 14, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
78th: Alim McNeill
Oct 30, 2023; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions defensive tackle Alim McNeill (54) sacks Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) during the second half at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: David Reginek-USA TODAY Sports
25th: Frank Ragnow
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – OCTOBER 08: Frank Ragnow #77 of the Detroit Lions lines up for a play in the second quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Ford Field on October 08, 2023 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
17th: Aidan Hutchinson
Nov 19, 2023; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson (97) and Chicago Bears offensive tackle Darnell Wright (58) chase after the loose ball late in the fourth quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: David Reginek-USA TODAY Sports
15th: Amon-Ra St. Brown
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown celebrates the 31-23 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFC divisional round at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024.
10th: Penei Sewell
Detroit Lions offensive tackle Penei Sewell (58) celebrates 31-23 win over Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the NFC divisional round at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024.