Detroit Lions draft picks (1970–present) explained

The Detroit Lions are a professional American football team based in Detroit, Michigan. The Lions compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the North Division of the National Football Conference.^[1] The franchise was founded in Portsmouth, Ohio, as the Portsmouth Spartans and joined the NFL on July 12, 1930.^[2] After being purchased by George A. Richards in 1934, the franchise was relocated to Detroit and renamed to the Detroit Lions in reference to the city's Major League Baseball franchise, the Detroit Tigers.^{[3] [4]} The team plays its home games at Ford Field in Downtown Detroit.^[5]

The NFL draft, officially known as the "NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting",^{[6] [7]} is an annual event which serves as the league's most common source of player recruitment.^[8] The draft order is determined based on the previous season's standings; the teams with the worst win–loss records receive the earliest picks. Teams that qualified for the NFL playoffs select after non-qualifiers, and their order depends on how far they advanced, using their regular season record as a tie-breaker. The final two selections in the first round are reserved for the Super Bowl runner-up and champion. Draft picks are tradable and players or other picks can be acquired with them.^[9]

In 1970, the Lions took part in the first modern NFL draft after the completion of the AFL–NFL merger.^[10] With the nineteenth pick of the first round of that draft, Steve Owens, a running back out of Oklahoma University, became the Lions' first modern draft selection.^[11] In addition to the annual draft, the Lions participated in the 1984 NFL supplemental draft. This supplemental draft occurred after the formation of the United States Football League (USFL), with the primary purpose of selecting players that had already signed with a USFL team in a separate process from the annual draft. The Canadian Football League (CFL) was also included in this supplemental draft.^[12] In addition to the 1984 supplemental draft, the NFL has hosted an annual supplemental draft since 1977 for players who had circumstances affect their eligibility for the NFL draft.^[13] The Lions have only selected a player once in a supplemental draft, taking Kevin Robinson in the ninth round in 1982.^[14] Two players drafted by the Lions since 1970 have been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame: Barry Sanders and Calvin Johnson.^[15] The Lions have taken part in every modern NFL draft since 1970, doing so most recently in the 2024 NFL draft, where they drafted six players.

Key

Key

	Indicates the player was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame

1970 draft

See main article: 1970 NFL draft.

Round		Overall	Name	Position	College
1				Running back	Oklahoma
2				Tackle	Minnesota
3				Defensive end	Virginia State
5				Guard	Memphis
6				Defensive tackle	USC
7				Linebacker	Nebraska
9				Punter	Tennessee
10				Running back	Arkansas
11				Defensive back	Kentucky State
12				Defensive back	Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo
13				Defensive tackle	Morehead State
14				Wide receiver	Northern Arizona
15				Tackle	Idaho
16				Defensive back	Memphis
17				Defensive tackle	Centenary	+ align="bottom" style="caption-side: bottom"	Source: Pro Football Reference^[16]

1971 draft

See main article: 1971 NFL draft.

Round		Overall	Name	Position	College
1				Defensive tackle	Cincinnati
2				Tackle	Clemson
2				Linebacker	USC
3				Defensive back	Eastern Michigan
4				Defensive tackle	Tennessee State
5				Guard	Michigan
6				Quarterback	Boston College
6				Wide receiver	USC
7				Tackle	Rice
8				Linebacker	Washington
9				Running back	Auburn
11				Defensive back	Colorado State
12				Wide receiver	Pittsburgh
13				Running back	Tulane
14				Tight end	Iowa State
15				Wide receiver	Central Missouri State
16				Defensive back	Michigan State
17				Guard	Utah	+ align="bottom" style="caption-side: bottom"	Source: Pro Football Reference^[17]

1972 draft

See main article: 1972 NFL draft.

Round		Overall	Name	Position	College
1				Defensive tackle	Colorado
3				Defensive end	Howard Payne
6				Defensive back	Purdue
7				Wide receiver	Portland State
8				Defensive back	Missouri
9				Defensive back	Drake
10				Linebacker	Purdue
11				Defensive tackle	Tulane
12				Wide receiver	SMU
13				Tight end	Memphis
14				Tackle	Whitworth
15				Linebacker	Kansas
16				Defensive back	West Virginia
17				Defensive back	Rice	+ align="bottom" style="caption-side: bottom"	Source: Pro Football Reference^[18]

1973 draft

See main article: 1973 NFL draft.

Round		Overall	Name	Position	College
1				Defensive end	Texas A&M–Kingsville
2				Running back	Oklahoma
3				Tight end	Washington
3				Linebacker	Penn State
3				Defensive back	Texas A&M–Kingsville
4				Linebacker	Tennessee Tech
4				Defensive back	Yale
4				Running back	Central Oklahoma
7				Defensive end	Morgan State
8				Defensive back	Arizona State
8				Running back	Ohio State
9				Defensive back	Baylor
10				Defensive back	Middle Tennessee State
11				Wide receiver	Wyoming
12				Wide receiver	Washington
13				Linebacker	Pittsburgh
14				Tackle	Santa Clara
15				Defensive back	BYU
16				Wide receiver	Dayton
17				Tackle	Ohio State	+ align="bottom" style="caption-side: bottom"	Source: Pro Football Reference^[19]

1974 draft

See main article: 1974 NFL draft.

Round		Overall	Name	Position	College
1				Linebacker	Penn State
2				Defensive end	Alcorn State
3				Running back	Texas–Arlington
5				Defensive back	Purdue
6				Running back	NC State
6				Guard	Alcorn State
7				Kicker	UCLA
8				Linebacker	Emporia State
10				Running back	Central Oklahoma
11				Tight end	Tulsa
12				Wide receiver	Tampa
13				Center	Kansas State
14				Defensive back	Howard Payne
15				Guard	Kansas State
16				Defensive back	Bowling Green
17				Defensive end	LSU	+ align="bottom" style="caption-side: bottom"	Source: Pro Football Reference^[20]

1975 draft

See main article: 1975 NFL draft.

Round		Overall	Name	Position	College
1				Guard	South Dakota State
2				Defensive tackle	Texas
4				Tackle	Georgia
6				Defensive back	Purdue
6				Running back	Georgia
6				Wide receiver	Michigan
7				Wide receiver	Drake
8				Wide receiver	Oklahoma State
9				Linebacker	Michigan
10				Tight end	LSU
11				Guard	Ohio State
12				Linebacker	Iowa State
13				Running back	North Carolina Central
14				Quarterback	Boise State.
15				Running back	Yale
16				Defensive back	Kansas State
17				Defensive tackle	Tulsa	+ align="bottom" style="caption-side: bottom"	Source: Pro Football Reference^[21]

1976 draft

See main article: 1976 NFL draft.

Round		Overall	Name	Position	College
1				Defensive back	Grambling State
1				Running back	Wyoming
2				Guard	Purdue
2				Tight end	Texas A&M–Kingsville
3				Guard	Long Beach State
3				Defensive tackle	Hawaii
5				Linebacker	Miami (FL)
7				Linebacker	Texas A&M
8				Kicker	Cal State-Chico
8				Defensive back	West Virginia
9				Tight end	Long Beach State
10				Quarterback	New Mexico State
11				Defensive end	Villanova
12				Center	South Carolina
13				Wide receiver	San Diego State
14				Wide receiver	Kentucky State
15				Wide receiver	Indiana
16				Linebacker	William & Mary
17				Defensive back	Boise State.	+ align="bottom" style="caption-side: bottom"	Source: Pro Football Reference^[22]

1977 draft

See main article: 1977 NFL draft.

Round		Overall	Name	Position	College
2				Defensive back	New Mexico State
3				Running back	San Jose State
4				Wide receiver	Iowa State
5				Linebacker	Penn State
6				Defensive back	East Carolina
7				Linebacker	Baylor
8				Tackle	North Carolina
9				Quarterback	Florida State
10				Guard	Stanford
11				Linebacker	Georgia Tech
12				Guard	Iowa State	+ align="bottom" style="caption-side: bottom"	Source: Pro Football Reference^[23]

1978 draft

See main article: 1978 NFL draft.

Round		Overall	Name	Position	College
1				Defensive back	Notre Dame
2				Defensive end	Colorado State
4				Tackle	West Texas A&M
4				Guard	Tennessee State
4				Center	Wake Forest
5				Center	Southern Miss
5				Defensive tackle	Rutgers
6				Defensive back	Michigan
6				Center	Northwestern
6				Wide receiver	California
7				Running back	Pacific
8				Kicker	California
10				Linebacker	Purdue
11				Defensive tackle	Oklahoma
12				Defensive back	Washington State	+ align="bottom" style="caption-side: bottom"	Source: Pro Football Reference^[24]

1979 draft

See main article: 1979 NFL draft.

Round		Overall	Name	Position	College
1				Tackle	Penn State
2				Linebacker	Wyoming
3				Running back	West Texas A&M
4				Tight end	Georgia
4				Linebacker	Clemson
5				Center	Pittsburgh
8				Linebacker	C.W. Post
9				Quarterback	Delaware
11				Linebacker	Mississippi
12				Center	Brown
12				Wide receiver	Texas A&M–Kingsville	+ align="bottom" style="caption-side: bottom"	Source: Pro Football Reference^[25]

1980 draft

See main article: 1980 NFL draft.

Round		Overall	Name	Position	College
1				Running back	Oklahoma
3				Center	Washington
3				Wide receiver	Indiana
4				Quarterback	Utah State
5				Defensive back	Arizona
5				Center	Arkansas
6				Tackle	NC State
7				Kicker	Tulane
9				Wide receiver	Hawaii
9				Defensive tackle	Hawaii
10				Defensive back	Utah State
11				Defensive back	Purdue
12				Running back	Washington State	+ align="bottom" style="caption-side: bottom"	Source: Pro Football Reference^[26]

1981 draft

See main article: 1981 NFL draft.

Round		Overall	Name	Position	College
1				Wide receiver	San Jose State
2				Defensive end	Alabama State
3				Guard	Western Illinois
4				Wide receiver	LSU
5				Guard	UCLA
6				Defensive back	Maryland
7				Tackle	SMU
8				Tight end	Colorado
9				Defensive back	Arkansas
9				Defensive back	Villanova
10				Linebacker	Michigan
11				Defensive back	Mississippi State	+ align="bottom" style="caption-side: bottom"	Source: Pro Football Reference^[27]

1982 draft

See main article: 1982 NFL draft.

Annual draft picks

Round		Overall	Name	Position	College
1				Linebacker	Nebraska
2				Defensive back	Texas State
3				Linebacker	New Hampshire
4				Defensive back	Georgetown (KY)
5				Defensive back	Texas
6				Quarterback	Idaho State
7				Running back	Nebraska
7				Wide receiver	Oregon State
8				Defensive end	UCLA
9				Defensive back	Kansas
10				Linebacker	Purdue
11				Wide receiver	South Carolina State
12				Running back	Slippery Rock
12				Tight end	Grand Valley State	+ align="bottom" style="caption-side: bottom"	Source: Pro Football Reference^[28]

1983 draft

See main article: 1983 NFL draft.

Round		Overall	Name	Position	College
1				Fullback	Florida
2				Tackle	Michigan
3				Linebacker	Tennessee
4				Linebacker	USC
5				Defensive back	Missouri
5				Center	Alabama
6				Wide receiver	Nebraska
7				Punter	Arizona State
8				Defensive back	Washington
9	Forfeited due to the selection of Kevin Robinson in the 1982 supplemental draft.
10				Guard	Penn State
11				Running back	North Carolina Central
12				Center	Idaho State	+ align="bottom" style="caption-side: bottom"	Source: Pro Football Reference^[29]

1984 draft

See main article: 1984 NFL draft.

Round		Overall	Name	Position	College
1				Tight end	California
2				Wide receiver	Northern Arizona
3				Defensive end	Washington State
3				Running back	Oklahoma State
3				Nose tackle	Oregon
4				Running back	Maryland
6				Quarterback	Columbia
7				Linebacker	New Mexico
7				Tackle	Kansas
8				Guard	Texas
9				Wide receiver	West Virginia
10				Defensive back	North Carolina Central
10				Defensive back	Louisiana Tech
11				Punter	San Diego State
12				Center	Tennessee	+ align="bottom" style="caption-side: bottom"	Source: Pro Football Reference^[30]

1984 NFL supplemental draft

See main article: 1984 NFL supplemental draft of USFL and CFL players.

Round		Overall	Name	Position	Pro team
1				Wide receiver	Oklahoma Outlaws
2				Linebacker	Philadelphia Stars
3				Defensive end	Pittsburgh Maulers	+ align="bottom" style="caption-side: bottom"	Source: Pro Football Reference, Pro Football Hall of Fame^[31]

1985 draft

See main article: 1985 NFL draft.

Round		Overall	Name	Position	College
1				Tackle	Florida
2				Center	Maryland
3				Linebacker	San Diego State
4				Linebacker	Baylor
5				Running back	NC State
6				Guard	Penn State
7				Defensive back	Angelo State
8				Running back	Texas–Arlington
9				Linebacker	Texas
10				Wide receiver	Auburn
11				Defensive back	Georgia
12				Guard	Georgia	+ align="bottom" style="caption-side: bottom"	Source: Pro Football Reference^[32]

1986 draft

See main article: 1986 NFL draft.

Round		Overall	Name	Position	College
1				Quarterback	Iowa
2				Running back	LSU
3				Guard	NC State
4				Defensive back	Iowa
5				Running back	Nicholls State
8				Wide receiver	Wyoming
9				Defensive back	Colorado
10				Linebacker	Morningside
11				Wide receiver	Richmond
12				Defensive back	Arizona	+ align="bottom" style="caption-side: bottom"	Source: Pro Football Reference^[33]

1987 draft

See main article: 1987 NFL draft.

Round		Overall	Name	Position	College
1				Defensive end	Washington
3				Nose tackle	SMU
4				Defensive back	Michigan
6				Linebacker	Arizona
7				Defensive tackle	Arizona State
8				Linebacker	Iowa State
9				Running back	Cal State Fullerton
10				Wide receiver	South Carolina
11				Tight end	Penn State
12				Wide receiver	Georgia Tech	+ align="bottom" style="caption-side: bottom"	Source: Pro Football Reference^[34]

1988 draft

See main article: 1988 NFL draft.

Round		Overall	Name	Position	College
1				Defensive back	Miami (FL)
2				Linebacker	Ohio State
2				Tight end	Florida State
3				Wide receiver	Penn State
4				Defensive back	Ohio State
5				Guard	LSU
6				Running back	Hampton
7				Wide receiver	Stanford
8				Defensive tackle	Minnesota
9				Defensive back	Texas A&M
9				Tackle	Mississippi
10				Wide receiver	UCLA
11				Quarterback	Cincinnati	+ align="bottom" style="caption-side: bottom"	Source: Pro Football Reference^[35]

1989 draft

See main article: 1989 NFL draft.

Round		Overall	Name	Position	College
1				Running back	Oklahoma State
2				Wide receiver	Virginia
3				Guard	Washington State
4				Defensive back	Baylor
5				Nose tackle	Nebraska
6				Quarterback	USC
7				Defensive back	Northern Michigan
8				Defensive tackle	West Virginia
9				Defensive end	Ohio State
10				Wide receiver	Houston
11				Linebacker	Penn State
12				Defensive end	Memphis	+ align="bottom" style="caption-side: bottom"	Source: Pro Football Reference^[36]

1990 draft

See main article: 1990 NFL draft.

Round		Overall	Name	Position	College
1				Quarterback	Houston
2				Defensive end	USC
3				Defensive end	Pittsburgh
4				Linebacker	Stanford
4				Defensive back	Oregon
5				Wide receiver	Colorado
6				Linebacker	Kansas State
7				Linebacker	Tennessee
8				Wide receiver	Mississippi
8				Center	San Diego State
9				Tackle	West Virginia
10				Wide receiver	Illinois State
11				Running back	Southern Miss
12				Wide receiver	San Diego State	+ align="bottom" style="caption-side: bottom"	Source: Pro Football Reference^[37]

1991 draft

See main article: 1991 NFL draft.

Round		Overall	Name	Position	College
1				Wide receiver	Virginia
3				Wide receiver	Texas-El Paso
4				Defensive back	Stanford
5				Tackle	Purdue
6				Kicker	Florida State
7				Tight end	Grambling State
8				Running back	TCU
9				Defensive end	Grambling State
11				Kick returner	LSU
12				Linebacker	Arizona	+ align="bottom" style="caption-side: bottom"	Source: Pro Football Reference^[38]

1992 draft

See main article: 1992 NFL draft.

Round		Overall	Name	Position	College
1				Defensive end	South Carolina State
2				Defensive end	Tulsa
2				Kicker	Washington State
3				Tight end	Southern
6				Tackle	Tennessee State
8				Defensive back	Georgia Tech
11				Fullback	Northwest Missouri State	+ align="bottom" style="caption-side: bottom"	Source: Pro Football Reference^[39]

1993 draft

See main article: 1993 NFL draft.

Round		Overall	Name	Position	College
2				Defensive back	Miami (FL)
3				Linebacker	Alabama
3				Guard	West Virginia
6				Defensive back	Virginia
7				Running back	Michigan State
8				Defensive back	Arizona State	+ align="bottom" style="caption-side: bottom"	Source: Pro Football Reference^[40]

1994 draft

See main article: 1994 NFL draft.

Round		Overall	Name	Position	College
1				Wide receiver	USC
2				Defensive back	Texas
3				Defensive tackle	Tennessee
4				Defensive back	Stanford
5				Guard	Memphis
6				Defensive back	Cincinnati
7				Linebacker	Saginaw Valley State	+ align="bottom" style="caption-side: bottom"	Source: Pro Football Reference^[41]

1995 draft

See main article: 1995 NFL draft.

Round		Overall	Name	Position	College
1				Defensive tackle	Utah
3				Tight end	New Mexico
5				Linebacker	Boston College
5				Wide receiver	Florida State
5				Tackle	McNeese State
6				Tight end	Navy
6				Fullback	Nebraska
7				Guard	Kansas	+ align="bottom" style="caption-side: bottom"	Source: Pro Football Reference^[42]

1996 draft

See main article: 1996 NFL draft.

Round		Overall	Name	Position	College
1				Linebacker	Texas A&M
1				Center	Penn State
3				Defensive back	Georgia Tech
4				Defensive back	Alabama
5				Defensive end	Central State	+ align="bottom" style="caption-side: bottom"	Source: Pro Football Reference^[43]

1997 draft

See main article: 1997 NFL draft.

Round		Overall	Name	Position	College
1				Defensive back	Texas
2				Tackle	Arizona State
2				Defensive back	Syracuse
4				Linebacker	Colorado
5				Tight end	Notre Dame
5				Defensive end	Virginia
6				Tackle	Northern Colorado
7				Running back	Arizona State
7				Wide receiver	Wyoming
7				Linebacker	Missouri Southern	+ align="bottom" style="caption-side: bottom"	Source: Pro Football Reference^[44]

1998 draft

See main article: 1998 NFL draft.

Round		Overall	Name	Position	College
1				Defensive back	Tennessee
2				Wide receiver	Virginia
2				Quarterback	Eastern Michigan
6				Defensive back	Southern Miss
7				Guard	Indiana	+ align="bottom" style="caption-side: bottom"	Source: Pro Football Reference^[45]

1999 draft

See main article: 1999 NFL draft.

Round		Overall	Name	Position	College
1				Linebacker	USC
1				Tackle	Wisconsin
3				Defensive end	Iowa
4				Running back	Michigan State
5				Defensive back	Northern Iowa
6				Linebacker	Wisconsin–Stevens Point
7				Defensive end	North Carolina	+ align="bottom" style="caption-side: bottom"	Source: Pro Football Reference^[46]

2000 draft

See main article: 2000 NFL draft.

Round		Overall	Name	Position	College
1				Tackle	Oklahoma
2				Linebacker	West Virginia
3				Running back	Oregon
5				Defensive back	Tulsa
6				Defensive end	Auburn
7				Defensive tackle	Mt. San Antonio	+ align="bottom" style="caption-side: bottom"	Source: Pro Football Reference^[47]

2001 draft

See main article: 2001 NFL draft.

Round		Overall	Name	Position	College
1				Tackle	Michigan
2				Center	Nebraska
2				Defensive tackle	Texas
5				Wide receiver	Grambling State
5				Quarterback	Rutgers
6				Linebacker	Texas A&M	+ align="bottom" style="caption-side: bottom"	Source: Pro Football Reference^[48]

2002 draft

See main article: 2002 NFL draft.

Round		Overall	Name	Position	College
1				Quarterback	Oregon
2				Defensive end	South Carolina
3				Defensive back	South Carolina
4				Linebacker	Montana State
5				Tight end	Notre Dame
6				Defensive back	USC
7				Running back	BYU
7				Tight end	Maryland
7				Tackle	Colorado	+ align="bottom" style="caption-side: bottom"	Source: Pro Football Reference^[49]

2003 draft

See main article: 2003 NFL draft.

Round		Overall	Name	Position	College
1				Wide receiver	Michigan State
2				Linebacker	Georgia
3				Defensive end	Texas
4				Running back	Kentucky
5				Defensive back	NC State
5				Linebacker	West Virginia
6				Wide receiver	Grand Valley State
7				Tackle	Wisconsin
7				Defensive back	Cincinnati
7				Running back	Colorado
7				Wide receiver	Memphis	+ align="bottom" style="caption-side: bottom"	Source: Pro Football Reference^[50]

2004 draft

See main article: 2004 NFL draft.

Round		Overall	Name	Position	College
1				Wide receiver	Texas
1				Running back	Virginia Tech
2				Linebacker	Oklahoma
3				Defensive back	McNeese State
5				Linebacker	Wisconsin
6				Tackle	Purdue	+ align="bottom" style="caption-side: bottom"	Source: Pro Football Reference^[51]

2005 draft

See main article: 2005 NFL draft.

Round		Overall	Name	Position	College
1				Wide receiver	USC
2				Defensive tackle	USC
3				Defensive back	Stanford
5				Quarterback	UConn
6				Defensive end	Oregon State
6				Defensive end	Marshall	+ align="bottom" style="caption-side: bottom"	Source: Pro Football Reference^[52]

2006 draft

See main article: 2006 NFL draft.

Round		Overall	Name	Position	College
1				Linebacker	Florida State
2				Defensive back	Nebraska
3				Running back	Wisconsin
5				Tackle	Texas
6				Defensive back	West Virginia
7				Guard	USC
7				Linebacker	Tulane	+ align="bottom" style="caption-side: bottom"	Source: Pro Football Reference^[53]

2007 draft

See main article: 2007 NFL draft.

Round		Overall	Name	Position	College
1				Wide receiver	Georgia Tech
2				Quarterback	Michigan State
2				Defensive end	Hawaii
2				Defensive back	Boise State.
4				Defensive back	NC State
4				Guard	Texas Tech
5				Linebacker	Arkansas–Monticello
7				Defensive back	Alabama	+ align="bottom" style="caption-side: bottom"	Source: Pro Football Reference^[54]

2008 draft

See main article: 2008 NFL draft.

Round		Overall	Name	Position	College
1				Tackle	Boston College
2				Linebacker	Colorado
3				Running back	UCF
3				Defensive tackle	Florida State
3				Linebacker	Purdue
5				Wide receiver	Wake Forest
5				Fullback	Furman
7				Defensive tackle	Ohio
7				Defensive back	Army	+ align="bottom" style="caption-side: bottom"	Source: Pro Football Reference^[55]

2009 draft

See main article: 2009 NFL draft.

Round		Overall	Name	Position	College
1				Quarterback	Georgia
1				Tight end	Oklahoma State
2				Defensive back	Western Michigan
3				Linebacker	Wisconsin
3				Wide receiver	Penn State
4				Defensive tackle	Stillman
6				Running back	TCU
7				Tackle	Nebraska
7				Linebacker	California
7				Tight end	Maryland	+ align="bottom" style="caption-side: bottom"	Source: Pro Football Reference^[56]

2010 draft

See main article: 2010 NFL draft.

Round		Overall	Name	Position	College
1				Defensive tackle	Nebraska
1				Running back	California
3				Defensive back	Iowa
4				Tackle	Miami (FL)
7				Defensive end	NC State
7				Wide receiver	Weber State	+ align="bottom" style="caption-side: bottom"	Source: Pro Football Reference^[57]

2011 draft

See main article: 2011 NFL draft.

Round		Overall	Name	Position	College
1				Defensive tackle	Auburn
2				Wide receiver	Boise State.
2				Running back	Illinois
5				Linebacker	Syracuse
7				Offensive line	South Carolina State	+ align="bottom" style="caption-side: bottom"	Source: Pro Football Reference^[58]

2012 draft

See main article: 2012 NFL draft.

Round		Overall	Name	Position	College
1				Tackle	Iowa
2				Wide receiver	Oklahoma
3				Defensive back	Louisiana
4				Linebacker	Oklahoma
5				Linebacker	Temple
5				Defensive back	Albion
6				Defensive back	New Mexico State
7				Linebacker	Oklahoma	+ align="bottom" style="caption-side: bottom"	Source: Pro Football Reference^[59]

2013 draft

See main article: 2013 NFL draft.

Round		Overall	Name	Position	College
1				Defensive end	BYU
2				Defensive back	Mississippi State
3				Guard	Kentucky
4				Defensive end	South Carolina
5				Punter	Appalachian State
6				Wide receiver	Virginia Tech
6				Running back	Notre Dame
7				Tight end	Alabama
7				Linebacker	Florida A&M	+ align="bottom" style="caption-side: bottom"	Source: Pro Football Reference^[60]

2014 draft

See main article: 2014 NFL draft.

Round		Overall	Name	Position	College
1				Tight end	North Carolina
2				Linebacker	BYU
3				Center	Arkansas
4				Defensive back	Utah State
4				Defensive end	Bloomsburg
5				Defensive tackle	Princeton
6				Wide receiver	Notre Dame
7				Kicker	Boston College	+ align="bottom" style="caption-side: bottom"	Source: Pro Football Reference^[61]

2015 draft

See main article: 2015 NFL draft.

Round		Overall	Name	Position	College
1				Guard	Duke
2				Running back	Nebraska
3				Cornerback	Stanford
4				Defensive tackle	Auburn
5				Fullback	Rutgers
6				Cornerback	Texas
7				Tackle	South Carolina	+ align="bottom" style="caption-side: bottom"	Source: Pro Football Reference^[62]

2016 draft

See main article: 2016 NFL draft.

Round		Overall	Name	Position	College
1				Tackle	Ohio State
2				Defensive tackle	Alabama
3				Center	Michigan
4				Safety	Southern Utah
5				Guard	Washington State
5				Linebacker	Georgia Southern
6				Quarterback	Michigan
6				Defensive tackle	Penn State
6				Long snapper	Baylor
7				Running back	Washington	+ align="bottom" style="caption-side: bottom"	Source: Pro Football Reference^[63]

2017 draft

See main article: 2017 NFL draft.

Round		Overall	Name	Position	College
1				Linebacker	Florida
2				Cornerback	Florida
3				Wide receiver	Northern Illinois
4				Linebacker	Tennessee
4				Tight end	Toledo
5				Cornerback	San Diego
6				Defensive end	Arkansas
6				Quarterback	Miami
7				Defensive end	Eastern Michigan	+ align="bottom" style="caption-side: bottom"	Source: Pro Football Reference^[64]

2018 draft

See main article: 2018 NFL draft.

Round		Overall	Name	Position	College
1				Center	Arkansas
2				Running back	Auburn
3				Safety	Louisiana
4				Defensive end	Alabama
5				Tackle	Oregon
7				Running back	San Diego State	+ align="bottom" style="caption-side: bottom"	Source: Pro Football Reference^[65]

2019 draft

See main article: 2019 NFL draft.

Round		Overall	Name	Position	College
1				Tight end	Iowa
2				Linebacker	Hawaii
3				Safety	Boston College
4				Defensive end	Clemson
5				Cornerback	Penn State
6				Wide receiver	Old Dominion
6				Running back	Maryland
7				Tight end	Georgia
7				Defensive end	Arizona	+ align="bottom" style="caption-side: bottom"	Source: Pro Football Reference^[66]

2020 draft

See main article: 2020 NFL draft.

Round		Overall	Name	Position	College
1				Cornerback	Ohio State
2				Running back	Georgia
3				Defensive end	Notre Dame
3				Guard	Ohio State
4				Guard	Kentucky
5				Wide receiver	Wisconsin
5				Running back	New Mexico State
6				Defensive tackle	Utah
7				Defensive tackle	Ohio State	+ align="bottom" style="caption-side: bottom"	Source: Pro Football Reference^[67]

2021 draft

See main article: 2021 NFL draft.

Round		Overall	Name	Position	College
1				Offensive line	Oregon
2				Defensive line	Washington
3				Defensive tackle	NC State
3				Defensive back	Syracuse
4				Wide receiver	USC
4				Defensive end	Purdue
7				Running back	Oregon State	+ align="bottom" style="caption-side: bottom"	Source: Pro Football Reference^[68]

2022 draft

See main article: 2022 NFL draft.

Round		Overall	Name	Position	College
1				Defensive end	Michigan
1				Wide receiver	Alabama
2				Defensive end	Kentucky
3				Defensive back	Illinois
5				Tight end	Virginia Tech
6				Linebacker	Oklahoma State
6				Linebacker	Jackson State
7				Defensive back	Arizona State	+ align="bottom" style="caption-side: bottom"	Source: Pro Football Reference^[69]

2023 draft

See main article: 2023 NFL draft.

Round		Overall	Name	Position	College
1				Running back	Alabama
1				Linebacker	Iowa
2				Tight end	Iowa
2				Defensive back	Alabama
3				Quarterback	Tennessee
3				Defensive tackle	Western Kentucky
5				Offensive line	William & Mary
7				Wide receiver	North Carolina	+ align="bottom" style="caption-side: bottom"	Source: Pro Football Reference^[70]

2024 draft

See main article: 2024 NFL draft.

Round		Overall	Name	Position	College
1				Defensive back	Alabama
2				Defensive back	Missouri
4				Tackle	UBC
4				Safety	Utah
6				Defensive tackle	LSU
6				Guard	Boston College	+ align="bottom" style="caption-side: bottom"	Source: Pro Football Reference^[71]

Notes and References

1. Web site: Why are there divisions and conferences in the NFL? How do they work? . . April 12, 2023 . Astbury . Matt . May 27, 2024 . May 29, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240529171559/https://www.dazn.com/en-US/news/american-football/why-are-there-divisions-and-conferences-in-the-nfl-how-do-they-work/1shbb9cpvf4th1iwph93x97hgp . live .
2. Web site: Team Facts . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20231206112104/https://www.profootballhof.com/teams/detroit-lions/team-facts/ . December 6, 2023 . November 10, 2023 . Pro Football Hall of Fame.
3. Web site: Detroit Lions . . November 10, 2023 . November 4, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231104170345/https://operations.nfl.com/learn-the-game/nfl-basics/team-histories/national-football-conference/north/detroit-lions . live .
4. Web site: How did your NFL team gets its name? Origins explained for all 32 . . November 15, 2023 . en . February 2, 2022 . June 7, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230607170953/https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/32814182/how-did-your-nfl-team-gets-name-origins-explained-all-32 . live .
5. Web site: Detroit Lions stadium: What is Ford Field's capacity and does it have a roof? . . January 15, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240621170015/https://www.dazn.com/en-CA/news/football/detroit-lions-stadium-what-is-ford-fields-capacity-and-does-it-have-a-roof/j98185nll5d51crytunmlzhgg . June 21, 2024 . live . Astbury . Matt . June 19, 2024.
6. Web site: NFL Draft Profile – NFL Draft . . February 7, 2024 . December 17, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231217031316/http://www.espn.com/nfldraft/research/event/profile?eventId=0 . live .
7. News: Sam . Farmer . What makes them tick . . February 7, 2024 . April 26, 2008 . February 7, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240207135240/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2008-apr-26-sp-nfl26-story.html . live .
8. Web site: NFL 2021 Draft date: when and where is it taking place? . . en-us . February 18, 2021 . November 15, 2023 . January 29, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220129070037/https://en.as.com/en/2021/02/18/nfl/1613653757_815367.html . live .
9. Web site: The rules of the NFL Draft . . November 14, 2023 . November 1, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231101040705/https://operations.nfl.com/journey-to-the-nfl/the-nfl-draft/the-rules-of-the-draft/ . live .
10. Web site: NFL At 100: Arrival of 1970s ushers in NFL's modern era . . . June 14, 2024 . October 25, 2019 . October 17, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231017021250/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2019/10/25/nfl-at-100-arrival-of-1970s-ushers-in-nfls-modern-era/40416897/ . live .
11. Web site: Detroit Lions All-Time Draft History . . https://web.archive.org/web/20240525203933/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/det/draft.htm . May 25, 2024 . live . June 14, 2024 . en .
12. News: June 5, 1984 . NFL will draft 'untouchables' . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230405075323/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=9ehVAAAAIBAJ&sjid=keEDAAAAIBAJ&pg=6748,1130497 . April 5, 2023 . February 20, 2024 . . 4B . . Associated Press.
13. Web site: What is the NFL Supplemental Draft? Explaining the process, how players enter and when it takes place . . July 10, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230802093017/https://theathletic.com/4617204/2023/07/10/nfl-supplemental-draft-players/ . August 2, 2023 . live . Brugler, Dane and The Athletic Staff . February 20, 2024 . subscription.
14. Web site: Lions unlikely to draft anyone in NFL Supplemental Draft . . July 11, 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230208094849/https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2018/07/11/lions-unlikely-to-draft-anyone-in-nfl-supplemental-draft/ . February 8, 2023 . live . Risdon . Jeff . May 27, 2024.
15. Web site: Hall of Famers by Draft Year . . June 14, 2024 . en . November 29, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231129182254/https://www.profootballhof.com/hall-of-famers/hall-of-famers-by-draft-year/ . live .
16. Web site: 1970 Detroit Lions Draftees . . May 14, 2024 . en . January 14, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230114210437/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/det/1970_draft.htm . live .
17. Web site: 1971 Detroit Lions Draftees . . May 14, 2024 . en . April 20, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230420083511/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/det/1971_draft.htm . live .
18. Web site: 1972 Detroit Lions Draftees . . May 14, 2024 . en . October 31, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221031023515/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/det/1972_draft.htm . live .
19. Web site: 1973 Detroit Lions Draftees . . May 14, 2024 . en . April 22, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230422001655/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/det/1973_draft.htm . live .
20. Web site: 1974 Detroit Lions Draftees . . May 14, 2024 . en . October 9, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221009182552/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/det/1974_draft.htm . live .
21. Web site: 1975 Detroit Lions Draftees . . May 14, 2024 . en . April 4, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230404160151/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/det/1975_draft.htm . live .
22. Web site: 1976 Detroit Lions Draftees . . May 14, 2024 . en . October 11, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221011155556/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/det/1976_draft.htm . live .
23. Web site: 1977 Detroit Lions Draftees . . May 14, 2024 . en . October 9, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221009181737/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/det/1977_draft.htm . live .
24. Web site: 1978 Detroit Lions Draftees . . May 14, 2024 . en . October 13, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221013235010/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/det/1978_draft.htm . live .
25. Web site: 1979 Detroit Lions Draftees . . May 14, 2024 . en . October 9, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221009174657/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/det/1979_draft.htm . live .
26. Web site: 1980 Detroit Lions Draftees . . May 14, 2024 . en . December 2, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231202224126/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/det/1980_draft.htm . live .
27. Web site: 1981 Detroit Lions Draftees . . May 14, 2024 . en . December 3, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231203140738/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/det/1981_draft.htm . live .
28. Web site: 1982 Detroit Lions Draftees . . May 14, 2024 . en . January 15, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230115095008/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/det/1982_draft.htm . live .
29. Web site: 1983 Detroit Lions Draftees . . May 14, 2024 . en . November 12, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221112195748/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/det/1983_draft.htm . live .
30. Web site: 1984 Detroit Lions Draftees . . May 14, 2024 . en . October 12, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221012200948/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/det/1984_draft.htm . live .
31. Web site: 1984 Supplemental Draft . . January 1, 2005 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240705143353/https://www.profootballhof.com/news/2005/01/news-1984-supplemental-draft/ . July 5, 2024 . live . July 5, 2024 . en.
32. Web site: 1985 Detroit Lions Draftees . . May 14, 2024 . en . October 9, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221009083650/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/det/1985_draft.htm . live .
33. Web site: 1986 Detroit Lions Draftees . . May 14, 2024 . en . October 9, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221009095011/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/det/1986_draft.htm . live .
34. Web site: 1987 Detroit Lions Draftees . . May 14, 2024 . en . April 23, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230423015402/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/det/1987_draft.htm . live .
35. Web site: 1988 Detroit Lions Draftees . . May 14, 2024 . en . June 3, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240603140200/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/det/1988_draft.htm . live .
36. Web site: 1989 Detroit Lions Draftees . . May 14, 2024 . en . September 8, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230908210236/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/det/1989_draft.htm . live .
37. Web site: 1990 Detroit Lions Draftees . . May 14, 2024 . en . September 17, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230917092155/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/det/1990_draft.htm . live .
38. Web site: 1991 Detroit Lions Draftees . . May 14, 2024 . en . February 2, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240202055304/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/det/1991_draft.htm . live .
39. Web site: 1992 Detroit Lions Draftees . . May 14, 2024 . en . October 9, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221009174022/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/det/1992_draft.htm . live .
40. Web site: 1993 Detroit Lions Draftees . . May 14, 2024 . en . September 20, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230920001740/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/det/1993_draft.htm . live .
41. Web site: 1994 Detroit Lions Draftees . . May 14, 2024 . en . April 6, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230406231310/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/det/1994_draft.htm . live .
42. Web site: 1995 Detroit Lions Draftees . . May 14, 2024 . en . January 15, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230115095003/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/det/1995_draft.htm . live .
43. Web site: 1996 Detroit Lions Draftees . . May 14, 2024 . en . June 3, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240603140418/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/det/1996_draft.htm . live .
44. Web site: 1997 Detroit Lions Draftees . . May 14, 2024 . en . October 12, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221012195958/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/det/1997_draft.htm . live .
45. Web site: 1998 Detroit Lions Draftees . . May 14, 2024 . en . December 28, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221228091532/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/det/1998_draft.htm . live .
46. Web site: 1999 Detroit Lions Draftees . . May 14, 2024 . en . October 11, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221011154702/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/det/1999_draft.htm . live .
47. Web site: 2000 Detroit Lions Draftees . . May 14, 2024 . en . September 20, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230920114311/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/det/2000_draft.htm . live .
48. Web site: 2001 Detroit Lions Draftees . . May 14, 2024 . en . October 9, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221009092009/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/det/2001_draft.htm . live .
49. Web site: 2002 Detroit Lions Draftees . . May 14, 2024 . en . December 2, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231202224108/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/det/2002_draft.htm . live .
50. Web site: 2003 Detroit Lions Draftees . . May 14, 2024 . en . December 2, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231202224107/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/det/2003_draft.htm . live .
51. Web site: 2004 Detroit Lions Draftees . . May 14, 2024 . en . December 2, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231202224110/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/det/2004_draft.htm . live .
52. Web site: 2005 Detroit Lions Draftees . . May 14, 2024 . en . October 5, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221005072850/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/det/2005_draft.htm . live .
53. Web site: 2006 Detroit Lions Draftees . . May 14, 2024 . en . October 12, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221012062400/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/det/2006_draft.htm . live .
54. Web site: 2007 Detroit Lions Draftees . . May 14, 2024 . en . December 9, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231209222413/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/det/2007_draft.htm . live .
55. Web site: 2008 Detroit Lions Draftees . . May 14, 2024 . en . December 9, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231209212723/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/det/2008_draft.htm . live .
56. Web site: 2009 Detroit Lions Draftees . . May 14, 2024 . en . December 2, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231202224130/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/det/2009_draft.htm . live .
57. Web site: 2010 Detroit Lions Draftees . . May 14, 2024 . en . December 2, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231202224131/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/det/2010_draft.htm . live .
58. Web site: 2011 Detroit Lions Draftees . . May 14, 2024 . en . December 2, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231202224133/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/det/2011_draft.htm . live .
59. Web site: 2012 Detroit Lions Draftees . . May 14, 2024 . en . October 12, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221012164213/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/det/2012_draft.htm . live .
60. Web site: 2013 Detroit Lions Draftees . . May 14, 2024 . en . September 29, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220929005457/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/det/2013_draft.htm . live .
61. Web site: 2014 Detroit Lions Draftees . . May 14, 2024 . en . October 9, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221009001818/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/det/2014_draft.htm . live .
62. Web site: 2015 Detroit Lions Draftees . . May 14, 2024 . en . October 9, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221009052734/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/det/2015_draft.htm . live .
63. Web site: 2016 Detroit Lions Draftees . . May 14, 2024 . en . April 23, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230423015401/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/det/2016_draft.htm . live .
64. Web site: 2017 Detroit Lions Draftees . . May 14, 2024 . en . October 1, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221001231544/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/det/2017_draft.htm . live .
65. Web site: 2018 Detroit Lions Draftees . . May 14, 2024 . en . September 22, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220922152254/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/det/2018_draft.htm . live .
66. Web site: 2019 Detroit Lions Draftees . . May 14, 2024 . en . May 29, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230529045342/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/det/2019_draft.htm . live .
67. Web site: 2020 Detroit Lions Draftees . . May 14, 2024 . en . May 29, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230529051609/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/det/2020_draft.htm . live .
68. Web site: 2021 Detroit Lions Draftees . . May 14, 2024 . en . May 12, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240512061655/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/det/2021_draft.htm . live .
69. Web site: 2022 Detroit Lions Draftees . . May 14, 2024 . en . March 30, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230330015413/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/det/2022_draft.htm . live .
70. Web site: 2023 Detroit Lions Draftees . . May 14, 2024 . en . May 6, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240506032159/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/det/2023_draft.htm . live .
71. Web site: 2024 Detroit Lions Draftees . . May 14, 2024 . en . May 27, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240527165921/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/det/2024_draft.htm . live .