8 Detroit Lions made the Pro Football Focus Top 101 Players list
Following a season that nearly saw them competing in the Super Bowl, the Detroit Lions have emerged not just as a team of promise but as a roster brimming with top-tier talent. Pro Football Focus (PFF) has underscored this ascension by featuring eight Lions players in its prestigious top-101 players list for the 2023 NFL season. Among them, standouts like CB Brian Branch, QB Jared Goff, TE Sam LaPorta, DI Alim McNeill, C Frank Ragnow, EDGE Aidan Hutchinson, WR Amon-Ra St. Brown, and OT Penei Sewell have not only excelled in their respective roles but have also elevated the team’s overall performance, making a compelling case for Detroit’s bright future.
The Big Picture: A Team Transformed
The inclusion of eight Lions in the PFF top-101 players list is not merely a testament to individual excellence but a signal of the team’s holistic evolution. It’s a story of how strategic drafts, astute signings, and player development can coalesce into a formidable unit capable of challenging the league’s best. Specifically, the presence of four Lions players in the top 25 underscores Detroit’s successful blend of youth and skill, positioning them as a formidable force in the NFL.
Detroit Lions in the Rankings: The Elite Eight
The Detroit Lions‘ exceptional talents featured in the PFF top-101 players list for the 2023 season are as follows:
- OT Penei Sewell (#10) – Dominant in the run game with a 93.1 PFF run-blocking grade.
- WR Amon-Ra St. Brown (#15) – One of the NFL’s premier receivers, averaging 2.59 yards per route run.
- EDGE Aidan Hutchinson (#17) – Surpassed the 100-pressure mark, establishing himself as a top pass rusher.
- C Frank Ragnow (#25) – Led centers with a 91.3 PFF run-blocking grade, showcasing late-season resilience.
- DI Alim McNeill (#78) – Took a significant step forward, notching 43 quarterback pressures.
- TE Sam LaPorta (#79) – Emerged as a star with over 1,000 receiving yards and 11 total touchdowns.
- QB Jared Goff (#83) – Excelled under offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, playing at an All-Pro level outside a mid-season dip.
- CB Brian Branch (#84) – Proved his worth as the team’s primary slot defender with impressive performance metrics.
TL;DR (too long didn’t read)
- Eight Detroit Lions players were named in PFF’s top-101 list for the 2023 season, highlighting the team’s talent depth.
- Notably, Aidan Hutchinson, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Frank Ragnow, and Penei Sewell placed within the top 25, showcasing their elite performances.
- The recognition reflects the Lions’ significant improvement and potential heading into future seasons.
The Bottom Line – Lions on the Prowl
The Detroit Lions‘ significant representation in the PFF top-101 list is a herald of the team’s resurgence and a beacon of hope for the fans. Each player’s journey to this recognition exemplifies the hard work, determination, and team synergy driving Detroit’s ascent. As the Lions continue to build on their strengths and address areas for improvement, the league should take note: Detroit is not just participating; they are poised to dominate. With talent, tenacity, and teamwork as their hallmarks, the Lions’ roar is only getting louder, promising exciting seasons ahead for the team and its supporters.
