Defensive end Cory Redding was picked 66th overall (third round) out of Texas by the Detroit Lions in the 2003 NFL Draft. His rookie season made him look like nothing more than a third-round pick, as he played in only nine games and had only seven tackles. Beginning in 2004, however, things changed drastically.
From 2004 to 2007, Redding started every single game that the Lions played. In 2008, he started the first 13 (he missed the final three games), meaning he had a streak of 77 consecutive starts going. Over the course of that streak Redding averaged 39 tackles and three sacks per season. He had a career high in tackles in 2006, recording 47. He also set a career high in sacks that year, recording eight total.
While Lions fans will likely remember Redding for being part of the trade that brought Julian Peterson to Detroit from Seattle, he gave this team five good years of football. Considering he was drafted 66th overall, I'd say that's pretty good. He was dependable as far as being in the starting lineup, and his numbers were pretty good.
As I have explained with the first three guys on this list, this is obviously subject to change in a few years. In all likelihood, one or all of the guys behind Redding on this list could pass him in due time. Right now, though, Redding's numbers with the Lions are set in stone, and what he did was pretty impressive for being the 66th overall pick in 2003.
Previously: No. 10 Sammie Hill, No. 9 Brandon Pettigrew, No. 8 Louis Delmas/DeAndre Levy
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