Ranking Lions' Roster: 9-1
The Detroit Lions will kick off the regular season on a national stage tomorrow night.
In the days leading up to the opener against the Kansas City Chiefs, All Lions has been ranking the players on Detroit's 53-man roster.
In this edition, we finish the series with players ranked No. 9 - No. 1.
9.) OT Taylor Decker
Decker is the longest-tenured member of Detroit's highly-touted offensive line. As a result, he's developed into a key player within the organization.
The Ohio State product was Detroit's seventh-highest-graded offensive player by Pro Football Focus' overall offensive grading system.
Even at age 30, he remains a pivotal piece for Detroit's offensive line. He remains responsible for Jared Goff's blindside, which is as indispensable a role as any.
8.) CB Cameron Sutton
After years in which the Lions have lacked a true top cornerback, they believe they have one in Sutton. His production over the last two seasons in Pittsburgh suggests he fits that mold.
Mostly a role player early in his career, Sutton has developed into a true alpha corner. Per NFL's Next Gen Stats, he held opposing passers to a 44.4 percent completion rate on passes in his direction last season.
The veteran fills an important void on Detroit's defense. The unit has struggled against the pass since before Aaron Glenn took over as coordinator in 2021.
Now, Sutton is the most proven talent the Lions have had during Glenn's tenure. If he lives up to the hype, Detroit should be much improved against opposing passing attacks.
7.) OG Jonah Jackson
Jackson enters the 2023 season in the final year of his rookie contract. As a result, extending him at the right price is key for maintaining the future of the organization's offensive line.
He missed time last season with injury, which allowed fans to see what the line is without him. The results were not good in his four-game absence, as the reserves struggled to meet his standard.
His contract situation is worth monitoring, as the Lions need to reserve enough cap space to extend their other young players when their times come.
However, Jackson has proven to be an important part of the organization, and is worthy of a raise to remain with the team.
6.) QB Jared Goff
Goff's second-half renaissance was a sight to behold in 2022. The veteran passer took better care of the ball, and did a superb job distributing the ball to his playmakers.
That is exactly what's being asked of him in offensive coordinator Ben Johnson's system. With more talent around him this season, the passer should continue to perform at a high level.
With the plethora of youth Detroit has at its disposal, including rookie playmakers Sam LaPorta and Jahmyr Gibbs, Goff's voice will carry weight throughout the locker room.
His performance holds the key to Detroit's success in 2023.
5.) S C.J. Gardner-Johnson
Gardner-Johnson is expected to take the Lions' secondary to another level, much like Sutton. After failing to strike a long-term deal in free agency, he bet on himself in signing a one-year deal with the Lions.
The difference in rankings, however, comes from the playmaker's ability to elevate the whole group with his swagger and confidence. His presence at Allen Park throughout training camp has been notable.
Gardner-Johnson tied for the league lead in interceptions last season with six, and has experience playing at the highest of levels. That aptitude, paired with his limitless confidence, has the potential to be a game-changer for the Lions.
Related: Ranking Lions' Roster: 19-10
4.) DE Aidan Hutchinson
Hutchinson has excelled throughout training camp, and is poised for a breakout campaign in his second season. The Michigan product is more refined as a rusher, and should benefit with more sacks.
His rookie campaign was in large part a successful one, but there's another element of his game to reach. Opponents will scout his tape, but he is disciplined enough to adjust.
The Lions feel confident in Hutchinson, and will deploy him on every down as a result. If all goes well, he could reach an elite level in his second campaign.
3.) C Frank Ragnow
The anchor on Detroit's front line is Ragnow. Injuries have slowed him in recent years, but he's among the NFL's best at his position when healthy.
The veteran will likely miss plenty of practices while resting a nagging toe injury, but he does so in order to be healthy for game days. He's a leader and drives the Lions' run game.
2.) OT Penei Sewell
Sewell has the making of a star heading into his third NFL season. There was plenty of growth from year one to year two, and his potential continues to grow.
Currently, he's stationed as the right tackle, while Decker holds down the opposite side. Still, he's one of the most athletic players on any offensive line, and continues to improve in his technique.
If he continues on this trajectory, he could be in store for an extension sooner rather than later, while becoming a franchise player.
1.) WR Amon-Ra St. Brown
The top spot in these rankings goes to St. Brown, who continues to leap year in and year out. The odds of reaching a high level have always been stacked against the undersized fourth-round pick, but his insatiable work ethic and relentless demeanor drive him.
The third-year wideout has become an elite separator on short and intermediate routes. Though he lacks top-end speed, St. Brown has steady hands, and is always available for Goff.
The two have developed sterling chemistry throughout their relatively short time together. Over 60 percent of St. Brown's catches last year went for first downs, and he was the team's top option in all clutch situations.
