1. 2001: Shaun Rogers, DT, Texas
The 2001 draft class was actually a very tough decision. There is a pair of Lions lifers on the offensive line in Dominic Raiola and Jeff Backus and then the greater talent in Shaun Rogers.
Ultimately I decided to go with Rogers because his peak with the Lions was greater than either Raiola’s or Backus’.
Rogers was a second-round pick and two-time Pro-Bowler in Detroit, amassing 373 tackles and 37.5 sacks in seven seasons with the Lions. Rogers also provided us with one of the greatest moments in Lions history with his 66-yard interception return for a touchdown.
Rogers played in the NFL for 13 seasons, last playing in 2013.
