Grading the Picks: Ranking the Detroit Lions’ Last 10 First-Round NFL Draft Selections
The NFL Draft is a franchise’s most pivotal opportunity to reshape its future. A well-executed first-round pick can become a cornerstone for years to come, while a miss at the top of the board can set an organization back and leave fans wondering “what if.” For the Detroit Lions—a team in the midst of a culture and competitive turnaround under Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell—their recent first-round draft history is a fascinating mix of boom, bust, and everything in between.
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches and excitement builds in the Motor City, it’s a good time to reflect on the Lions’ last ten first-round picks. These players span regimes, rebuilds, and rising hopes—and while some are already fan favorites, others are reminders of the challenges in scouting and development.
Here’s our ranking of Detroit’s last ten first-round draft picks based on performance, impact, longevity, and value relative to draft position.
1. Penei Sewell (OT, 2021 – 7th Overall)
There’s no debate here. Penei Sewell has quickly become one of the best offensive tackles in all of football and a foundational piece of Detroit’s offense. With elite athleticism, a warrior mentality, and All-Pro potential, Sewell is not only dominant on the field but a locker room tone-setter. Whether protecting Jared Goff’s blindside or moving to the right side when needed, he’s lived up to and possibly exceeded the hype.
Grade: A+
2. Aidan Hutchinson (EDGE, 2022 – 2nd Overall)
The Michigan native was the perfect fit for Detroit from the beginning. Hutchinson has shown flashes of greatness with high sack totals, relentless motor, and leadership. In just his first two seasons, he’s already taken on the role of face of the defense and continues to evolve his game. While there’s still room for growth in terms of consistency, Hutchinson looks like a long-term Pro Bowl presence.
Grade: A
3. Frank Ragnow (C, 2018 – 20th Overall)
One of the most underrated picks of the last decade, Ragnow has quietly become one of the top centers in the NFL. Anchoring the interior of one of the league’s best offensive lines, his intelligence, toughness, and technique have been a huge part of Detroit’s offensive efficiency. Injuries have occasionally sidelined him, but his value when healthy is undeniable.
Grade: A
4. Jahmyr Gibbs (RB, 2023 – 12th Overall)
This pick raised eyebrows initially due to positional value, but Gibbs’ rookie season silenced many critics. His elite speed, receiving ability, and versatility made him a dynamic weapon for Detroit’s offense. As the Lions leaned into a two-back system with David Montgomery, Gibbs provided big-play ability that helped push Detroit into deep playoff contention.
Grade: B+
5. T.J. Hockenson (TE, 2019 – 8th Overall)
Hockenson was a solid and sometimes explosive contributor during his time in Detroit, making a Pro Bowl appearance and becoming one of the better pass-catching tight ends in the league. However, his trade to the Vikings midway through the 2022 season put a damper on the long-term return on investment. He was good—just not what the Lions needed in the grand scheme.
Grade: B
6. Jack Campbell (LB, 2023 – 18th Overall)
Campbell’s selection surprised many draft analysts due to his old-school linebacker profile, but in year one, he provided solid tackling, leadership, and potential. While he wasn’t a breakout rookie sensation, he showed enough flashes to make fans optimistic that he could grow into a core defensive leader. The next couple of seasons will determine whether this pick becomes a great one or simply average.
Grade: B-
7. Jeff Okudah (CB, 2020 – 3rd Overall)
This pick is one of the most frustrating in recent memory. Okudah came out of Ohio State with all the tools—length, speed, instincts—but injuries derailed his development, and he struggled with consistency when on the field. Eventually traded to the Falcons, Okudah is no longer part of Detroit’s long-term plan, making this pick a tough miss, especially given the draft capital used.
Grade: D+
8. Jarrad Davis (LB, 2017 – 21st Overall)
Davis’ time in Detroit was marked by flashes of athleticism and hard hits, but poor coverage skills and frequent mental lapses kept him from being a dependable starter. He bounced around after his rookie contract, returning to Detroit briefly but never becoming the impact linebacker the Lions hoped for.
Grade: D
9. Jameson Williams (WR, 2022 – 12th Overall)
This one comes with an asterisk, as Williams’ career is still in its early stages. After missing most of his rookie season due to an ACL injury and a suspension in 2023, the dynamic Alabama speedster has shown glimpses of big-play potential but needs to prove he can consistently produce. The ceiling remains high, but patience is starting to wear thin for some fans.
Grade: Incomplete / C+
10. Laken Tomlinson (OG, 2015 – 28th Overall)
While Tomlinson eventually became a solid starter in the NFL, his best play came after he left Detroit. The Lions traded him to the 49ers, where he thrived and became a dependable piece of their offensive line. His tenure in Detroit was underwhelming, and though he redeemed himself elsewhere, the return value for Detroit was limited.
Grade: C-
The Lions’ last 10 first-round picks highlight the highs and lows of NFL roster building. On one end of the spectrum, you have Penei Sewell and Aidan Hutchinson—franchise-altering talents that provide the foundation of a future contender. On the other, selections like Okudah and Davis serve as cautionary tales of how even top-tier talent can fail to pan out due to fit, injury, or development.
The Brad Holmes era, however, offers hope. His first-round picks—Sewell, Hutchinson, Gibbs, Campbell, and Williams—show a clear vision: smart, gritty, athletic players who fit the Lions’ cultural and schematic identity. While time will tell how each pans out, there’s no denying that the current front office has raised the standard in the war room.
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, fans will look back on this list with appreciation for how far the Lions have come—and with hope that the next first-rounder joins the ranks of Detroit’s cornerstone pieces.
