Elite teams aren’t built on first-round hype alone—they’re defined by the steals no one saw coming. For the Detroit Lions, three overlooked picks didn’t just exceed expectations—they became stars and reshaped the franchise.
Finding elite talent outside of the first round is what separates good teams from great ones, and for the Detroit Lions, some of their best value picks since 2000 didn’t come with early-round hype. While Detroit has often been criticized for draft misses, they’ve also landed a few absolute steals—players who far outperformed their draft position and became foundational pieces. Three names stand above the rest: Amon-Ra St. Brown, DeAndre Levy, and Darius Slay.
Starting with St. Brown, it’s hard to overstate just how incredible his value has been. Selected in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft (pick No. 112), St. Brown entered the league with modest expectations compared to higher-drafted receivers. However, it didn’t take long for him to prove he was far more than a mid-round flyer. By the end of his rookie season, he had already emerged as one of the most reliable targets on the roster. His elite route running, toughness over the middle, and unmatched work ethic quickly turned him into a centerpiece of the Lions’ offense.
Since then, St. Brown has developed into one of the best wide receivers in the NFL, earning All-Pro recognition and consistently ranking among league leaders in receptions. For a fourth-round pick to become a top-tier receiver and offensive engine is the definition of draft value. He’s not just a steal—he’s one of the best picks the franchise has made in decades.
Next is DeAndre Levy, a third-round selection in the 2009 NFL Draft (pick No. 76) out of Wisconsin. Levy may not always get the national recognition he deserves, but at his peak, he was one of the most complete linebackers in football. Known for his instincts, coverage ability, and tackling, Levy was a perfect fit in Detroit’s defense during the early 2010s.
His breakout season came in 2014, when he recorded 151 tackles, 2.5 sacks, three interceptions, and six passes defended. That year, Levy was widely regarded as one of the best linebackers in the league, playing a crucial role in one of the Lions’ top defensive units of the modern era. Injuries unfortunately shortened his prime, but considering he was a third-round pick, the level of impact he provided when healthy makes him one of the best value selections in team history.
Rounding out the top three is Darius Slay, taken in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft (pick No. 36). Slay entered the league with elite physical traits but needed development, and the Lions showed patience as he grew into his role. That patience paid off in a big way.
Slay eventually became a shutdown corner and one of the premier defensive backs in the NFL. Nicknamed “Big Play Slay,” he earned multiple Pro Bowl selections and a First-Team All-Pro nod while in Detroit. His ability to lock down opposing receivers and create turnovers made him a cornerstone of the Lions’ defense for years. Getting that level of production from a second-round pick is a massive win for any franchise.
While all three players had different paths, the common thread is clear: each dramatically outperformed their draft position. St. Brown became a superstar despite being a Day 3 pick, Levy developed into an elite linebacker from the third round, and Slay grew into a top-tier corner after being selected outside the first round.
For a franchise that has had its share of draft struggles, these picks represent what can go right. They are reminders that value isn’t about where a player is taken—it’s about what they become.