The Detroit Lions will have one of the most talented rosters in the NFL in 2024, and that is more than adequately reflected in a recent list of the top-100 NFL players for the upcoming season.
The list comes from CBS Sports' Pete Prisco, who has a whopping seven Lions in his rankings. On top of those seven, Prisco also names two Lions — running back Jahmyr Gibbs and defensive back Brian Branch — as honorable mentions.
Here's where Prisco ranked each of the seven Lions who made the cut, along with his write-up for them:
17. RT Penei Sewell
Now entering his fourth season, he has emerged as one of the game's best offensive linemen. He is massive, athletic and can maul in the run game. He has it all. (Last season: No. 66)
39. WR Amon-Ra St. Brown
He had 119 catches with 10 touchdown receptions in 2023, the best numbers of his career. He is a reliable player in the Lions offense and was rewarded with a big contract this year because of it. (Last season: No. 83)
47. DE Aidan Hutchinson
In his second season, he continued to show that he is a dominant pass rusher. He had 11 1/2 sacks, but he was among the league's best in terms of pressures. He has to get better against the run. (Last season: NR)
56. C Frank Ragnow
The veteran center is coming off his best season in the middle of their outstanding line. He is impressive in the run game, but more than holds up in pass protection. (Last season: NR)
58. TE Sam LaPorta
As a rookie, he established himself as one of the best receiving tight ends in the league with 86 catches and 10 touchdown receptions. He is just scratching the surface of what he can do as a receiver, which is scary for opposing defenses. (Last season: NR)
76. QB Jared Goff
He threw 30 touchdown passes and 12 picks in leading the Lions to the NFC Championship game. Goff has quieted a lot of critics with his play in Detroit and earned himself a big contract earlier this year from the team. (Last season: NR)
89. DL Alim McNeill
He had his breakout season in 2023, flashing ability as a run stopper but also as a player who could push the pocket inside. He had five sacks, but I expect that number to be higher this season. (Last season: NR)
Of the seven Lions who made the cut, five of them were not ranked in 2023. Also, five of the seven players listed are 24 and under, which shows how well set up Detroit is for sustained success.
Prisco rightly gave massive bumps to wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and right tackle Penei Sewell after both have emerged as two of the better players at their respective positions in recent years.
Are there other Lions you can make a case for to be on this list? Absolutely, but let's not get greedy here. Having this many players on a top-100 list is quite the compliment and a far cry from where this franchise has been in the past.
