1. 2011: Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn
In a 2011 class that included only five picks, Nick Fairley was easily the best of the bunch. Though not still with the team, it can be argued that Fairley contributed more to the Lions than Titus Young, Mikel Leshoure, Doug Hogue, and Johnny Culbreath combined.
Fairley was selected No. 13 overall and during his time in Detroit, accumulated 98 tackles and 13.5 sacks. Fairley left the Lions last off-season and found a home with the then St. Louis (now Los Angeles) Rams.
