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The Detroit Lions haven’t had back-to-back top 10 picks in the NFL Draft since the 2009-2010 seasons, but if the NFL Draft order were determined by Week 11 standings, that would be the case again. After picking eighth last year, the Lions are currently holding onto the 10th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft with their 3-6-1 record.
Detroit jumped the Cleveland Browns this week, as Baker Mayfield led them to their fourth win of the season. And while it’s only a one-spot jump from last week, the Lions are now within striking distance of a top-five pick. That spot is currently occupied by the New York Jets, who, like the Lions, only have three wins on the season. The last time the Lions had a top-five pick was when they took Ezekiel Ansah in the 2013 NFL Draft.
Here’s a look at the 2020 NFL Draft order as it stands after 11 weeks in the season.
(Note: The tiebreaker is determined by strength of schedule. I am using Tankathon’s SOS calculator, which takes into account the full 16-game schedule, not just games played)
- Bengals (0-10)
- Washington (1-9)
- Giants (2-8)
- Dolphins (2-8)
- Jets (3-7)
- Buccaneers (3-7)
- Broncos (3-7)
- Falcons (3-7)
- Cardinals (3-7-1)
- Lions (3-6-1)
The Lions’ draft order could change drastically over the final six weeks of the season. They still have three games remaining against teams currently higher than them in the draft order standings: Washington, the Buccaneers and the Broncos. While those games will disappointingly have no playoff implications, they will certainly have a big impact on the draft order.
For the heck of it, here are the last 10 players taken 10th overall in the draft.
2019: LB Devin Bush
2018: QB Josh Rosen
2017: QB Patrick Mahomes
2016: CB Eli Apple
2015: RB Todd Gurley
2014: TE Eric Ebron
2013: G Chance Warmack
2012: CB Stephon Gilmore
2011: QB Blaine Gabbert
2010: DT Tyson Alualu
As you can see, the 10th overall pick has had its hits and misses. Quarterback has been the most common choice over the past decade, with results varying from Patrick Mahomes to Blaine Gabbert.