![Calvin Johnson was one of the most dominant receivers during his time with the Lions. [Image Source: Flickr | Calvin Johnson]](https://staticr1.blastingcdn.com/media/photogallery/2019/3/11/660x290/b_502x220x82/calvin-johnson-was-one-of-the-most-dominant-receivers-during-his-time-with-the-lions-image-source-flickr-calvin-johnson_2224333.jpg "Calvin Johnson was one of the most dominant receivers during his time with the Lions. [Image Source: Flickr | Calvin Johnson]")
After looking at the best recent draft picks for teams that currently occupy the first seven selections of April’s draft, it’s time to look at the Lions who have the eighth pick. Chris Trapasso of CBS Sports has them taking edge rusher Montez Sweat out of Mississippi State with that pick.
Detroit’s struggles over the years have been well-documented. They haven’t won a playoff game since 1991 and have never appeared in the Super Bowl. Despite the fairly evident lack of success, there have been some good draft picks since 2000, albeit not a lot of game-changing players after the top-four or five.
Note: Only time with the Lions was considered for the list. Where they were drafted makes a difference - meaning this isn’t exactly a top-ten player drafted by Detroit since 2000 list. Some late-round picks who didn’t quite make the list but had solid careers with the team include Terrence Holt (fifth round, 2003), Theo Riddick (sixth round, 2013), Nevin Lawson (fourth round, 2014), and Quandre Diggs (sixth round, 2015).
Calvin Johnson, WR - 1st round, 2nd overall (2007); time with Lions: 2007-2015
While Johnson ended his playing career at the young age of 30, his complete dominance while playing puts him in the top spot. He set a NFL record with 1,964 receiving yards in the 2012 season. In his nine-year career, the six-time Pro Bowler caught 731 passes for 11,619 yards and 83 touchdowns.
Matthew Stafford, QB - 1st round, 1st overall (2009); time with Lions: 2009-present
Stafford has started under center for Detroit 141 times over 10 seasons. He has thrown for 38,526 yards and threw for at least 4,257 yards seven straight years from 2011-2017. As reported by the Detroit Free Press, Stafford will have two new targets to throw to as wide receiver Danny Amendola and tight end Jesse James were added in free agency.
Ndamukong Suh, DT - 1st round, 2nd overall (2010); time with Lions: 2010-2014
While he lasted just five years with the club, Suh was one of the most-feared defensive players during that time. The 2010 Defensive Rookie of the Year made four Pro Bowls, was a First Team All-Pro three times, and sacked the quarterback 36 times.
Shaun Rogers, DT - 2nd round, 61st overall (2001); time with Lions: 2001-2007
An excellent run-stopper, Rogers also recorded 29 sacks with Detroit. He earned trips to the Pro Bowl in the 2004 and 2005 seasons.
Darius Slay, CB - 2nd round, 36th overall (2013); time with Lions: 2013-present
Slay was named to his second straight Pro Bowl last year, and he tied for the NFL-lead with eight interceptions in 2017. He has picked off 17 passes in his six seasons.
Dominic Raiola, C - 2nd round, 50th overall (2001); time with Lions: 2001-2014
Raiola played in 219 games with the Lions which places him third in franchise history. In 203 of those games, he was a starter and he started all 16 games in 11 different seasons.
Jeff Backus, OT - 1st round, 18th overall (2001); time with Lions: 2001-2012
Ranking fifth on the all-time list for games played with Detroit is Backus who appeared in 191 for them. Everyone of those games saw him as a starter, and he missed only one game in his 12-year career.
DeAndre Levy, LB - 3rd round, 76th overall (2009); time with Lions: 2009-2016
Levy's two standout seasons with Detroit came in 2013 (117 tackles and six interceptions) and 2014 (155 tackles). He had 632 tackles and 12 interceptions during his eight years.
Cliff Avril, DE - 3rd round, 92nd overall (2008); time with Lions: 2008-2012
A solid pass rusher for Detroit, Avril racked up 39.5 sacks in his five years with the Lions. His best season with them came in 2011 when he recorded 11 sacks.
Tahir Whitehead, LB - 5th round, 138th overall (2012); time with Lions: 2012-2017
A later-round pick, Whitehead started 55 games for the Lions over six seasons. During his last two years with the team, he combined to make 242 tackles.
