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The Detroit Lions’ 31-0 win over the Green Bay Packers pushed them to 6-10 on the season. As a result, they saw their draft positioning drop in Week 17, but maybe less than you’d think. Thanks to wins by the Falcons, Bills and Panthers, Detroit only dropped from the fifth overall pick to the eighth overall pick.
Here’s a look at the final top-10 order for the 2019 NFL Draft.
Obviously, dropping a few spots in the draft is not beneficial to a program, but the difference between a Week 17 win and loss wasn’t all that significant. Had the Lions lost, they would be picking fifth overall. Would you trade a Lions blowout win over the Packers for three spots in the draft?
As for the eighth pick in the draft, it’s had some ups and downs in recent years. Here’s a look at the last 10 players taken eighth overall:
2018: LB Roquan Smith
2017: RB Christian McCaffrey
2016: OT Jack Conklin
2015: DE Vic Beasley
2014: CB Justin Gilbert
2013: WR Tavon Austin
2012: QB Ryan Tannehill
2011: QB Jake Locker
2010: LB Rolando McClain
2009: OT Eugene Monroe
So there you have it. Some impact players on offense and defense with a few busts scattered in between.
Unfortunately for Detroit, the third round pick they’ll be getting from the Philadelphia Eagles got potentially significantly worse on Sunday. Philly entered the day 18th in draft order, but with their win and the Vikings’ loss, the Eagles are now in the playoff. Their position in the draft order will be decided once they are eliminated from the postseason.
Who are you hoping the Lions take with the eighth overall pick? Or are you hoping they trade up or down?