Detroit Lions: 5 best NFL Draft picks of all time
. LB. 1988-95. Chris Spielman. 3. player. 50
Chris Spielman will easily go down in Detroit Lions history as one of the greatest defensive players. There’s really no question about that when you look at his production form the linebacker position and the fact that he leads the Lions in many all-time defensive categories such as tackles for a single season and career-wise.
Like Charlie Sanders, Spielman was a great value pick by the Lions, getting drafted with the 29th pick in the second round out of powerhouse Ohio State in 1988.
Spielman defied all expectations when he became a four-time Pro Bowler and was named an All-Pro three times. This should have come as no surprise seeing as he was Ohio State’s top defender and even won the Lombardi Trophy in his final season with the Buckeyes.
Holding the all-time record for career tackles, Spielman finished his career with Detroit in 1995 with 1,138 and even recorded a Lions’ record 195 in 1994 — a mark that will take quite some time to top.
It’ll be a while before the Lions see a better defender than Spielman, but Ndamukong Suh was on the way to becoming an all-time great before leaving for Miami. However, Ziggy Ansah is on the right track.
Next: 2. Calvin Johnson