They can't all be rock stars. The pressure of expectation, lack of experience and injury can turn even the most highly rated college football player into a bust when they turn professional; but, sometimes, a draft pick is right on the money. The history of the Detroit Lions Draft Picks since 2000 demonstrates that there is no guarantee of success, no matter how much money is paid.
2000: Stockar McDougle
Offensive LinemanResult for Lions: Underachieved
Injuries sidelined McDougle in his early years with the Lions. He eventually became a consistent starter, but the Lions allowed him to go free agent in 2005 and he’s been floundering since.
2001: Jeffrey Carl Backus
Offensive LinemanResult for Lions: Success
Backus has been a consistent asset to the Lions as the team’s offensive left tackle.
2003: Charles Rogers
Wide ReceiverResult for Lions: Bust
Successive collarbone breaks and then a drug habit sidelined Rogers starting midway through his rookie year with the Lions.
2004: Roy Williams
Wide ReceiverResult for Lions: Success
Williams proved to be an asset for the Lions during his four years playing for the team. His greatest value to the Lions came in 2008, however, when Williams was traded to the Dallas Cowboys for first, third and sixth-round picks in the 2009 NFL draft. So far for the Cowboys, Williams has underachieved.
2004: Kevin Jones
Running BackResult for Lions: Underachieved
Jones had a great run for the Lions, but a lisfranc fracture eventually took its toll.
2005: Mike Williams
Wide ReceiverResult to Lions: Bust
Caught up in an eligibility snaffu in the 2004 NFL draft, Williams sat out a year before being picked up by the Lions in 2005. The year delay took its toll and Williams never quite lived up to expectations. He also struggled with weight problems.
2007: Calvin Johnson
Wide ReceiverResult to Lions: Success
Johnson has proven to be a great player so far. He is arguably one of the top five receivers in football.
2008: Gosder Cherilus
Offensive TackleResult for Lions: Judgment Pending
So far, Cherilus has started for the Lions but hasn’t quite lived up to expectations. Legal problems may still affect his value.
