Detroit Lions: 5 best NFL Draft picks of all time
1. player. 50. . RB. 1989-98. Barry Sanders
While Calvin Johnson was an easy choice to be on this list, Barry Sanders is the only guy who could keep Megatron from the top spot. Sanders is one of the top running backs in NFL history, and there’s a good reason many wish he never would have retired in his prime like Johnson did.
Barry finished his career as the Lions’ all-time leading rusher in terms of yards and touchdowns and ranks among the NFL leaders in both categories as well — he probably would have shattered records had he not retired at the age of 31.
Sanders was selected No. 3 overall in 1989 out of Oklahoma State after winning the Heisman Trophy in 1988 and being named a unanimous All-American. Everyone loved the choice and he helped the Lions escape mediocrity, at times, and even helped lead the relatively hapless organization to the playoffs.
Just how good was he compared with other Lions running back greats? He finished his career with 15,269 yards and 99 touchdowns while the next closest running back was Billy Sims who had 5,106 yards and 42 scores. He also finished his career with the seven-best single-season rushing marks in franchise history.
Sanders was just an unbelievable selection in 1989 and this really can’t even be argued.
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