More and more, the Lions feature elite players across the field. At almost every position, the reigning NFC North champs have top-level, game-breaking talent. They're among the Super Bowl favorites for a reason.
In ESPN's annual ranking of the NFL's 10 best players at each position based on feedback from executives, coaches and scouts, the Lions continue to get props.
Aidan Hutchinson, on the heels of a season in which he racked up 11.5 sacks and the second most quarterback pressures in the NFL, was ranked the sixth best edge rusher -- trailing only Maxx Crosby, Nick Bosa, Micah Parsons, T.J. Watt and Myles Garrett.
"High ceiling. He will be the next Nick Bosa," an NFL scouting director said. "Banking on him getting even better. Highly disruptive, physical, near rare motor."
Bosa, the second overall pick in 2019, won Defensive Player of the Year with 18.5 sacks in his third full NFL season. (He missed year two with an injury.) Hutchinson, the second overall pick in 2021, is entering his third season.
On the other side of the ball, Jahmyr Gibbs was ranked eighth among running backs, between Derrick Henry and Josh Jacobs. The 12th overall pick last year rushed for nearly 1,000 yards a rookie and finished third among running backs in yards per carry.
"Change of pace. Fast. Elusive. Versatile," an AFC executive said. "Dynamic in the pass game. Not a typical North-South runner you love in a run-heavy offense, but he can break explosive plays at the snap of a finger, which is scary in our league."
The Lions didn't have any safeties crack the top 10, but Brian Branch did earn honorable mention after a standout rookie season of his own.
"Has natural coverage ability so that allows him to play in the slot or over the top. He's also an instinctive player that has a knack for finding the ball and making plays in both phases," an NFC personnel evaluator said.
(Former Lion C.J. Gardner-Johnson also earned honorable mention, with this description: "The Eagles signed him back because their secondary was soft as s--- without him. He's a pest. Can cover in the slot, play in the post or come up and hit.")
ESPN has also rolled out rankings at defensive tackle, where the Lions were shut out. But heads up for Alim McNeill, who's on the verge of stardom. And don't forget about DJ Reader.
And in the days ahead, you can expect to see Sam LaPorta among the best tight ends, Penei Sewell among the best offensive tackles, Frank Ragnow and possibly Kevin Zeitler among the best interior offensive linemen, Amon-Ra St. Brown among the best wide receivers and Jared Goff likely among the best quarterbacks.
The only other positions where the Lions may not be represented? Off-ball linebacker, where Alex Anzalone is coming off the best season of his career and first-round pick Jack Campbell is poised for a breakout. And cornerback, where Carlton Davis III should earn some consideration and rookie first-round pick Terrion Arnold is about to hit the field.
Including honorable mentions, the Lions figure to have players at least in the top-10 conversation at eight of the 10 positions on the field. Seven, at the very least. As safety Kerby Joseph said this week, "it just goes to show that we're here."
"The Lions, we're not the same no more. We're just coming for it all. We want to change the narrative around the organization and just showcase for the fans and for the city," he said.
