Detroit Lions Dominate CBS Sports’ Top 100 with 8 Players Featured

Coming off a dominant season where Detroit’s offense averaged an NFL-best 33.2 points per game and the team finished tied with Kansas City at 15-2, some analysts still question whether the Lions’ rise is sustainable. Regardless, the team’s individual talent continues to gain recognition.

Aidan Hutchinson — #15

Last year ranked 47th, Hutchinson surged into the Top 20 this season. He trails only Cleveland’s Myles Garrett among edge defenders, with Garrett sitting at #2 after logging 14 sacks and signing a record-breaking $160 million extension.

Despite a season cut short by injury after five games, Hutchinson had already tallied 7.5 sacks. Prisco described him as a nightmare for opposing offenses and a strong candidate for Defensive Player of the Year honors.

Penei Sewell — #21

Right tackle Penei Sewell continues to anchor Detroit’s elite offensive line. A Pro Bowler for three consecutive seasons and a two-time First-Team All-Pro, Sewell surprisingly dropped from #17 to #21 in this year’s rankings.

Even as Detroit’s offense ranked second in total production behind only Baltimore, Sewell was edged out by linemen like Tristan Wirfs (#20) and Eagles duo Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata (#12 and #13). Prisco praised Sewell’s run blocking as outstanding but cited a decline in pass protection metrics as a reason for the drop. With Frank Ragnow’s departure, Sewell is now focusing on increased strength and leadership responsibilities during the offseason.

Jahmyr Gibbs — #32

After a breakout rookie year that saw him accumulate over 1,400 yards and 20 touchdowns, Jahmyr Gibbs earns the #32 spot. Though still ranked below established stars like Saquon Barkley (#3) and Derrick Henry (#14), Gibbs proved his value during David Montgomery’s absence, rushing for 365 yards and five scores over three games.

Reuniting with Tashard Choice, his former college position coach, Gibbs is expected to elevate his game even further in 2025.

Amon-Ra St. Brown — #58

Arguably one of the league’s most consistent wideouts, Amon-Ra St. Brown continues to be undervalued, falling to #58 after being #39 last year. With 115 receptions for 1,263 yards and 12 touchdowns, his numbers surpass those of CeeDee Lamb (#27), Tyreek Hill (#30), and A.J. Brown (#31), yet he remains ranked lower.

St. Brown trailed only Justin Jefferson (#5) and Ja’Marr Chase (#8) among top-tier receivers. His drop behind rookies Brian Thomas (#44) and Malik Nabors (#45) raises eyebrows, especially considering the possibility of reduced targets for both due to team changes. Known for channeling disrespect into motivation, St. Brown continues to use draft snubs and rankings to fuel his drive.

Kerby Joseph (#60) & Brian Branch (#65)

Together, Joseph and Branch form what many consider the league’s premier safety duo. Joseph, with a league-high nine interceptions (including one returned for a touchdown), 83 tackles, and 12 pass deflections, earned First-Team All-Pro honors in 2024 and makes his Top 100 debut. His 17 interceptions across three seasons mark a franchise best.

Branch contributed 109 tackles, four picks, and a forced fumble. While both players had standout seasons, Prisco ranked Baltimore’s Kyle Hamilton (#36) as the top safety despite less impactful stats. The Lions’ tandem clearly outperformed expectations, yet remain underrated in the national conversation.

Jared Goff — #77

Quarterback Jared Goff, who led the league’s most potent offense last year with 4,629 yards and 37 touchdowns, ranks #77—just one spot lower than his position in 2024. Prisco expressed confidence that Goff would maintain his high level despite a new offensive coordinator but still placed eight other quarterbacks above him.

Among them were rookies and peers with arguably less production, such as Jayden Daniels (#33) and Justin Herbert (#49). Goff’s consistent output and leadership make his lower placement a questionable decision.

Sam LaPorta — #86

Tight end Sam LaPorta finds himself ranked fourth among his position group, down from #58 a year ago. His second-year totals of 60 catches for 726 yards and seven touchdowns represent a dip from his stellar rookie campaign (86 catches, 889 yards, 10 TDs).

Ahead of him are rookies and veterans like Brock Bowers (#22), George Kittle (#25), and Trey McBride (#42). Travis Kelce, who fell significantly to #96, is the only tight end behind LaPorta on the list.

Final Thoughts: Fuel for the Fire

Detroit’s players aren’t strangers to being underestimated. Head coach Dan Campbell has built a culture defined by toughness and resilience—qualities evident in how the team continues to rise despite skepticism. As Amon-Ra St. Brown put it, the Lions have one clear mission for the upcoming season: “Super Bowl or nothing.”