clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

2018 NFL Draft order: The Detroit Lions have the 20th overall pick

The Lions have the worst pick among non-playoff teams.

By Jeremy Reisman
2009 NFL Draft Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images

Now that the 2017 NFL regular season is over, the 2018 NFL Draft order is set for all of the teams that missed out on the playoffs. The Detroit Lions happen to be one of those teams, and unfortunately, they also happen to have the lowest draft pick among the group.

The Detroit Lions currently have the 20th overall pick in the draft. They were one of seven teams that finished the season with a 9-7 record. Two of those teams made the playoffs and will be picking after the Lions. As for the five remaining teams, the Lions finished with the hardest strength of schedule, forcing them to have the lowest possible pick.

Here’s the entire draft order that has been determined thus far:

  1. Browns
  2. Giants
  3. Colts
  4. Browns (from Texans)
  5. Broncos
  6. Jets
  7. Buccaneers
  8. Bears
  9. 49ers or Raiders (based on coin flip)
  10. 49ers or Raiders (based on coin flip)
  11. Dolphins
  12. Benglas
  13. Washington
  14. Packers
  15. Cardinals
  16. Ravens
  17. Chargers
  18. Seahawks
  19. Cowboys
  20. Lions

Last year, the Lions picked 21st overall after a first-round exit in playoffs. Now, they’ll be picking one spot ahead.

Here’s a look at the history of the 20th overall pick:

2017: T Garett Bolles
2016: LB Darron Lee
2015: WR Nelson Agholor
2014: WR Brandin Cooks
2013: G Kyle Long*
2012: WR Kendall Wright
2011: DE Adrian Clayborn
2010: CB Kareem Jackson
2009: TE Brandon Pettigrew
2008: CB Aqib Talib*

*Pro Bowlers

As you can see, this is not the first time the Lions have held the 20th pick in the NFL Draft. In the famous 2009 draft that netted them Matthew Stafford with the first overall pick, they also nabbed the original Eric Ebron—tight end Brandon Pettigrew 19 picks later.

Overall, the 20th spot has produced moderate success. Two Pro Bowlers and a handful of players that are still playing at a somewhat high level.

Obviously, it’s disappointing to see the Lions have the lowest pick possible while simultaneously missing out the playoffs. But even had the Lions lost on Sunday, they likely wouldn’t be picking any higher than 15th.

Now the countdown for the NFL draft is on. Only 115 days, y’all!

More From Pride Of Detroit