After selecting in the mid-to-late 20s in the NFL Draft the last two years, the Detroit Lions are currently slated to pick No. 17 in this year's draft.
General manager Brad Holmes has shown he can get impact players in the first round – T Penei Sewell (2021), EDGE Aidan Hutchinson (2022), WR Jameson Williams (2022), RB Jahmyr Gibbs (2023), LB Jack Campbell (2023), CB Terrion Arnold (2024) and DT Tyleik Williams (2025). There are 10 Pro Bowl bids and five All-Pro selections among that group.
The following is a look at the players drafted 17th overall in the last 10 years. There also is a look at the players drafted after the 17th pick to see who else was available.
2025: EDGE Shemar Stewart, Texas A&M
Drafted by Cincinnati
Ht./Wt.: 6-5, 267.
Played in eight games (five starts) with 11 tackles, one sack, two tackles for loss, four quarterback hits and one pass defended this season.
Next three picks: G Grey Zabel (Seattle), WR Emeka Egbuka (Tampa Bay), CB Jahdae Barron (Denver).
Possible better pick: James Pearce Jr. was the next edge rusher to come off the board to Atlanta at No. 26. Pearce led all rookies with 10.5 sacks this season.
View photos of NFL Media analyst Daniel Jeremiah's first ranking of his Top 50 prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft.
No. 1 QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
No. 2 RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame
No. 3 EDGE Arvell Reese, Ohio State
No. 4 EDGE David Bailey, Texas Tech
No. 5 LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State
No. 6 EDGE Rueben Bain Jr., Miami
No. 7 WR Makai Lemon, USC
No. 8 CB Mansoor Delane, LSU
No. 9 WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State
No. 10 S Caleb Downs, Ohio State
No. 11 OL Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State
No. 12 OT Spencer Fano, Utah
No. 13 OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami
No. 14 CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee
No. 15 WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State
No. 16 CB Colton Hood, Tennessee
No. 17 EDGE Cashius Howell, Texas A&M
No. 18 EDGE Akheem Mesidor, Miami
No. 19 S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo
No. 20 WR Denzel Boston, Washington
No. 21 TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon
No. 22 LB CJ Allen, Georgia
No. 23 OT Blake Miller, Clemson
No. 24 OT Monroe Freeling, Georgia
No. 25 S Dillon Thieneman, Oregon
No. 26 DT Lee Hunter, Texas Tech
No. 27 EDGE Keldric Faulk, Auburn
No. 28 OT Kadyn Proctor, Alabama
No. 29 OT Caleb Lomu, Utah
No. 30 CB Avieon Terrell, Clemson
No. 31 CB Brandon Cisse, South Carolina
No. 32 WR KC Concepcion, Texas A&M
No. 33 DT Kayden McDonald, Ohio State
No. 34 DT Peter Woods, Clemson
No. 35 EDGE R Mason Thomas, Oklahoma
No. 36 WR Antonio Williams, Clemson
No. 37 DT Christen Miller, Georgia
No. 38 EDGE T.J. Parker, Clemson
No. 39 DT Caleb Banks, Florida
No. 40 QB Ty Simpson, Alabama
No. 41 OT Max Iheanachor, Arizona State
No. 42 LB Anthony Hill Jr., Texas
No. 43 RB Jadarian Price, Notre Dame
No. 44 WR Chris Brazzell II, Tennessee
No. 45 WR Malachi Fields, Notre Dame
No. 46 WR Deion Burks, Oklahoma
No. 47 LB Jake Golday, Cincinnati
No. 48 WR Zachariah Branch, Georgia
No. 49 OL Chase Bisontis, Texas A&M
No. 50 WR Chris Bell, Louisville
2024: EDGE Dallas Turner, Alabama
Drafted by Minnesota
Ht./Wt.: 6-3, 247.
Turner played in 16 games as a rotational player his rookie season recording 3.0 sacks. He played in all 17 games this past season with 8.0 sacks, 11 tackles for loss and 15 quarterback hits.
Next three picks: T Amarius Mims (Cincinnati), EDGE Jared Verse (Los Angeles Rams), T Troy Fautanu (Pittsburgh).
Possible better pick: Verse was selected by the Rams two picks later and has earned a Pro Bowl nod in each of his first two seasons while racking up 12.0 sacks, 22 tackles for loss and 45 quarterbacks hits in 34 games played the last two seasons.
2023: Cornerback Christian Gonzalez, Oregon
Drafted by New England
Ht./Wt.: 6-1, 205.
Gonzalez played in only four games as a rookie in 2023 but has started 30 games combined the last two seasons with All-Pro (2024) and Pro Bowl (2025) bids. He's allowed a 77.3 passer rating against and 56.9 completion percentage in his coverage area in his three seasons in the NFL.
Next three picks: LB Jack Campbell (Detroit), DT Calijah Kancey (Tampa Bay), WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba (Seattle).
Possible better pick: Gonzalez has been an impact player for the Patriots since arriving in Foxboro and has helped lead the Patriots to the Super Bowl this season. Sure, Smith-Njigba and quarterback Drake Maye would be a serious problem for opposing defenses to deal with, but Gonzalez has only allowed five touchdowns in three seasons and has been one of the better cornerbacks in the league.
2022: Guard Zion Johnson, Boston College
Drafted by Los Angeles Chargers
Ht./Wt.: 6-3, 316.
Johnson has started 65 of the 66 games he's played the last four seasons playing more than 1,000 snaps in each season.
Next three picks: WR Treylon Burks (Tennessee), T Trevor Penning (New Orleans), QB Kenny Pickett (Pittsburgh).
Possible better pick: The Chargers were looking for O-line help but passed on both Tyler Smith (Dallas, No. 24) and Tyler Linderbaum (Baltimore; No. 25) who have become premier players in this league at their positions.
2021: Tackle Alex Leatherwood, Alabama
Drafted by Las Vegas
Ht./Wt.: 6-5, 315.
He made 17 starts at guard as a rookie after struggling at tackle early on. He was cut by Las Vegas before the 2022 season. He played four games with Chicago in 2022.
Next three picks: EDGE Jaelan Phillips (Miami), LB Jamin Davis (Washington), WR Kadarius Toney (New York Giants).
Possible better pick: Take your pick from a collection of players drafted after Leatherwood, who was one of the 2021 first-round selections that didn't work out.
2020: Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, Oklahoma
Drafted by Dallas
Ht./Wt.: 6-2, 200.
Lamb caught 74 passes in his first season with five touchdowns in 16 games. The five years since he's recorded 1,000 receiving yards in each season with four Pro Bowls and three All-Pro selections.
Next three picks: T Austin Jackson (Miami), CB Damon Arnette (Las Vegas), LB K'Lavon Chaisson (Jacksonville).
Possible better pick: Justin Jefferson went five picks later to Minnesota at No. 22 and some consider him the best receiver currently in the game, but Lamb has been great for Dallas and the Cowboys have had one of the best offenses in the league since Lamb joined the team.
2019: Defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence, Clemson
Drafted by New York Giants
Ht./Wt.: 6-4, 340.
Lawrence has totaled 30.5 sacks over a seven-year career that includes three Pro Bowl selections and two All-Pro nods as one of the best defensive tackles currently in the game.
Next three picks: C Garrett Bradbury (Minnesota), DT Jeffery Simmons (Tennessee), TE Noah Fant (Denver).
Possible better pick: Simmons was taken two picks after Lawrence and has recorded 12.5 more sacks than over the last three seasons. He's coming off a 11.0-sack performance this season with 17 tackles for loss earning him First-Team All-Pro honors.
View photos of Detroit Lions players competing at the 2026 Pro Bowl Games in San Francisco.
NFC wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, middle, of the Detroit Lions, scores against the AFC during the first half of the NFL Pro Bowl football game, Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell (46) plays during the 2026 NFL Pro Bowl Games on Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026, in San Francisco. (Doug Benc/AP Content Services for the NFL)
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (0) plays during the 2026 NFL Pro Bowl Games on Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026, in San Francisco. (Vera Nieuwenhuis/AP Content Services for the NFL)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) carries the ball during the 2026 NFL Pro Bowl Games on Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026, in San Francisco. (Doug Benc/AP Content Services for the NFL)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) scores a touchdown during the 2026 NFL Pro Bowl Games on Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026, in San Francisco. (Doug Benc/AP Content Services for the NFL)
AFC running back James Cook (4), of the Buffalo Bills, is tackled by NFC linebacker Jack Campbell (46), of the Detroit Lions, during the first half of the NFL Pro Bowl football game, Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) and Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (85) celebrate after St. Brown scored a touchdown during the 2026 NFL Pro Bowl Games on Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026, in San Francisco. (Doug Benc/AP Content Services for the NFL)
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs plays during the 2026 NFL Pro Bowl Games on Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026, in San Francisco. (Vera Nieuwenhuis/AP Content Services for the NFL)
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs plays during the 2026 NFL Pro Bowl Games on Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026, in San Francisco. (Vera Nieuwenhuis/AP Content Services for the NFL)
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff plays during the 2026 NFL Pro Bowl Games on Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026, in San Francisco. (Vera Nieuwenhuis/AP Content Services for the NFL)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) plays during the 2026 NFL Pro Bowl Games on Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026, in San Francisco. (Vera Nieuwenhuis/AP Content Services for the NFL)
NFC quarterback Jared Goff (16), of Detroit Lions, passes the ball against the AFC during the first half of the NFL Pro Bowl football game, Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown yells during the 2026 NFL Pro Bowl Games on Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026, in San Francisco. (Vera Nieuwenhuis/AP Content Services for the NFL)
AFC wide receiver Nico Collins, of the Houston Texans, middle, runs against NFC free safety Antoine Winfield Jr. (31), of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and linebacker Jack Campbell, of the Detroit Lions, during the first half of NFL Pro Bowl football game in San Francisco, Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James Jr. (3) talks with Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) during the 2026 NFL Pro Bowl Games on Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026, in San Francisco. (Vera Nieuwenhuis/AP Content Services for the NFL)
NFC quarterbacks Dak Prescott (4), of the Dallas Cowboys, Jared Goff (16), of Detroit Lions, and quarterback Jalen Hurts (1), of the Philadelphia Eagles, are introduced before the NFL Pro Bowl football game against the AFC, Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
NFC running back Bijan Robinson (7), of the Atlanta Falcons, tight end Trey McBride (85), of the Arizona Cardinals, tight end Jake Ferguson (87), of the Dallas Cowboys, and running back Jahmyr Gibbs (0), of the Detroit Lions, are introduced before the NFL Pro Bowl football game against the AFC, Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) and Chicago Bears safety Kevin Byard (31) talk during the 2026 NFL Pro Bowl Games on Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026, in San Francisco. (Doug Benc/AP Content Services for the NFL)
San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (23) and Detroit Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson (97) talk during the 2026 NFL Pro Bowl Games on Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026, in San Francisco. (Doug Benc/AP Content Services for the NFL)
NFC quarterback Jared Goff (16), of Detroit Lions, celebrates with running back Christian McCaffrey (23), of the San Francisco 49ers, after the NFL Pro Bowl football game against the AFC, Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
2018: Safety Derwin James, Florida State
Drafted by Los Angeles Chargers
Ht./Wt.: 6-2, 215.
James has become one of the best safeties in the league over the last eight seasons with 12 interceptions, 46 passes defended, 19.0 sacks and five Pro Bowl selections.
Next three picks: CB Jaire Alexander (Green Bay), LB Leighton Vander Esch (Dallas), C Frank Ragnow (Detroit).
Possible better pick: None. Alexander, Vander Esch and Ragnow were all Pro Bowl players, but James has been a versatile and impact player since entering the NFL and is still one of the best safeties in the league. Lamar Jackson was selected No. 32 in this draft but the Chargers are still probably happy with the James selection.
2017: EDGE Jonathan Allen, Alabama
Drafted by Washington
Ht./Wt.: 6-3, 300.
After playing in just five games as a rookie due to injury, Allen played his next seven seasons for the Commanders and recorded 41.0 sacks playing in two Pro Bowls. He had 3.5 sacks playing in 17 games for the Vikings this season in his ninth year in the league.
Next three picks: CB Adoree' Jackson (Tennessee), TE O.J. Howard (Tampa Bay), OT Garett Bolles (Denver).
Possible better pick: T.J. Watt was still on the board and wouldn't be selected until Pittsburgh took him at No. 30. 115.0 sacks later, he's still one of the best players in the league and a likely Hall of Famer.
2016: Safety Keanu Neal, Florida
Drafted by Atlanta
Ht./Wt.: 6-0, 211.
Neal was a Day 1 starter in the Falcons' secondary and earned his only Pro Bowl selection in his second season in 2017. He recorded four career interceptions with 523 tackles in eight NFL seasons.
Next three picks: C Ryan Kelly (Indianapolis), EDGE Shaq Lawson (Buffalo), LB Darron Lee (New York Jets).
Possible better pick: Neal was a solid pick at No. 17 but defensive tackle Kenny Clark was taken a little bit later in the first round by Green Bay and has had a more impactful NFL career that's still going.
