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CBS names Lions' best, worst NFL Draft picks of 21st century
TL;DR
CBS Sports has identified Calvin Johnson as the Detroit Lions' best draft pick of the 21st century, selected No. 2 overall in 2007. The article also discusses the Lions' worst draft picks, sparking debate among fans.
Key points
- Calvin Johnson is the best Lions draft pick of the 21st century.
- He was selected No. 2 overall in the 2007 NFL Draft.
- Johnson was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2023.
- He set the single-season receiving record with 1,964 yards in 2012.
- The article also discusses the Lions' worst draft picks.
Detroit LionsCalvin JohnsonMatthew Stafford
As the 2026 NFL draft from Pittsburgh nears, CBS Sports' Bryan DeArdo listed all 32 franchises' best and worst draft picks of the 21st century, with the Detroit Lions featuring two notable names chosen that could spark debate.
As for the best Lions draft pick over the past 25 seasons, DeArdo chose a clear and obvious answer in wide receiver Calvin Johnson, who was selected No. 2 overall in the 2007 NFL draft out of Georgia Tech.
Johnson assembled an illustrious professional career that includes four All-Pro teams, six Pro Bowls, selection to the All-Decade Team for the 2010's, and 2023 induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Across his 137 (regular season and playoffs) games in nine seasons played for the Lions, he caught 748 passes for 11,915 yards and 85 touchdowns.
Here is what DeArdo said about Johnson:
Best pick: WR Calvin Johnson (No. 2 overall, 2007)
Johnson steps in ahead of Matthew Stafford because he is one of the best players ever at his position. One of three Hall of Famers to be inducted at age 35 or younger (the other two are Jim Brown and Gale Sayers), Johnson led the NFL in receiving in consecutive years. In 2012, the man known as "Megatron" broke Jerry Rice's single-season receiving record with 1,964 yards.
Q&A
Who is considered the best Detroit Lions draft pick of the 21st century?
Calvin Johnson, selected No. 2 overall in the 2007 NFL Draft, is considered the best Detroit Lions draft pick of the 21st century.
What are Calvin Johnson's career achievements with the Lions?
Calvin Johnson was a four-time All-Pro, six-time Pro Bowler, and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2023.
What notable records did Calvin Johnson set during his career?
Calvin Johnson set the single-season receiving record in 2012 with 1,964 yards, breaking Jerry Rice's previous record.
Who else was considered for the best Lions draft pick besides Calvin Johnson?
Matthew Stafford was mentioned but ultimately not chosen as the best pick, with Johnson being favored for his exceptional impact.
