Best and Worst NFL Draft Picks for Each Team in the Past Decade
Jan 4, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson (81) catches a pass ahead of the defense by ]d38 during the second quarter in the NFC Wild Card Playoff Game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Detroit Lions
Best Pick – Calvin Johnson, WR, 2nd Overall in 2007
Enter the best receiver in the NFL today. Calvin “Megatron” Johnson has lived up to his draft stock, and then some. He has failed to post 1,000 yard just twice in his career, one of those seasons was his rookie year. In 2012, he broke Jerry Rice’s single season receiving yard record with 1,964 yards on 122 catches. The man has simply been the best receiver in the league for about 5 seasons now, and it doesn’t look like he’s slowing down anytime soon. he still managed to gain over 1,000 yards this season even though he missed three games.
It’s rare that a player lives up to their hype this well, but Megatron has managed to do it.
Other selections considered:
Matthew Stafford, QB, 1st Overall in 2009
Ndamukong Suh, DT, 2nd Overall in 2010
Larry Warford, OG, 65th Overall in 2013
Worst Pick – Mike Williams, WR, 10th Overall in 2005
If this article went back to 2003, Charles Rogers would be the clear cut choice for Detroit’s worst pick. Mike Williams will suffice, as he was almost as big a bust as Rogers.
Mike Williams was forced to sit out the 2004 season after being ruled ineligible for the NFL Draft after failing to declare as a true sophomore. Somehow, he was still selected 10th overall by the Matt Millen-led Detriot Lions in 2005 NFL Draft where he proved to be a colossal bust. In two seasons with the Lions, Williams recorded an absolutely abysmal 37 catches for 449 yards in two seasons with the Lions.
Not only is Williams the biggest bust for the Lions in the past ten years, he’s one of the biggest busts the league as seen in the past ten years.
Other selections considered:
Ernie Sims, LB, 9th Overall in 2006
Jahvid Best, RB, 30th Overall in 2010
Titus Young, WR, 44th Overall in 2011