Iowa's Jack Campbell Shines in Ranking of Lions' Best First-Round Picks
The Detroit Lions have transformed from NFL punchline to NFC powerhouse, and their recent first-round draft success is a big reason why. For Iowa football fans, there's particular pride in seeing former Hawkeye standout Jack Campbell rank among the best of Detroit's last 10 first-round selections.
From elite offensive tackle Penei Sewell to defensive stars like Aidan Hutchinson, Detroit has hit on most of its recent top picks. But not every selection has worked out, and the Lions have had their share of misses too.
Here's a ranking of Detroit's last 10 first-round picks, from best to worst. The Lions' 2026 first-round pick, Blake Miller, is excluded since he hasn't taken the field yet.
1. Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon (2021)
Sewell is the clear choice for the top spot. Selected seventh overall in 2021, he has developed into arguably the best offensive tackle in football.
The former Oregon star has earned multiple Pro Bowl selections and First-Team All-Pro honors, establishing himself as the cornerstone of Detroit's offensive line. His dominance in both pass protection and the run game has helped transform the Lions into one of the NFL's most physical offenses.
At just 25 years old, Sewell is already one of the most valuable offensive linemen in the league and the best first-round pick Detroit has made during this stretch.
2. Jack Campbell, LB, Iowa (2023)
Campbell has developed into a key piece of the Lions' defense since being selected 18th overall in 2023. The former Iowa linebacker entered the NFL with a reputation for instincts, size and tackling ability, and those traits have translated well to Detroit's defense.
Campbell has taken on a larger role while becoming one of the leaders of the Lions' linebacker room. His ability to play against both the run and pass has made him an important piece of a defense that has undergone a big transformation under head coach Dan Campbell.
For Iowa fans, watching Campbell succeed at the professional level is no surprise. His relentless work ethic and football IQ were on full display during his time in Iowa City, where he earned the Butkus Award as the nation's top linebacker in 2022.
3. Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama (2023)
The Lions surprised some people when they selected Gibbs 12th overall in 2023, but the explosive running back quickly proved why Detroit was so high on him. Gibbs brings elite speed, acceleration and receiving ability to an offense that has become one of the NFL's most dangerous.
Gibbs has developed into a dynamic dual-threat weapon, capable of creating explosive plays as both a runner and receiver. Alongside David Montgomery, Gibbs has helped Detroit field one of the most productive backfields in the league. His big-play ability and efficiency make him one of the most dangerous offensive weapons in football.
4. Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan (2022)
The Lions didn't have to look far from home to find their defensive cornerstone when they selected Hutchinson second overall in 2022. The former Michigan star arrived in Detroit with great expectations and quickly showed why he was considered one of the best prospects in his class.
Hutchinson quickly established himself as one of the NFL's premier young pass rushers, earning Pro Bowl and Second-Team All-Pro honors early in his career. His motor, versatility and ability to consistently pressure the quarterback make him one of the faces of the franchise.
5. Frank Ragnow, C, Arkansas (2018)
Ragnow was one of the most important pieces of Detroit's offensive transformation. Selected 20th overall in the 2018 NFL Draft, he was the anchor of the Lions' offensive line for years.
The former Arkansas standout developed into one of the best centers in football, earning multiple Pro Bowl selections and Second-Team All-Pro honors. His combination of intelligence, strength and consistency made him a foundational piece of the Lions' offense as they rose to become one of the NFC's top teams.
Unfortunately, Ragnow surprisingly retired in 2025 after seven NFL seasons.
6. T.J. Hockenson, TE, Iowa (2019)
The Lions selected Hockenson eighth overall in 2019 after he emerged as one of the nation's best tight ends at Iowa. He immediately became an important part of Detroit's passing attack and eventually developed into one of the NFL's most productive players at the position.
Hockenson spent three and a half seasons with the Lions, recording 186 receptions for 2,068 yards and 15 touchdowns. He earned two Pro Bowl selections during his time in Detroit before being traded to the Minnesota Vikings in 2022. His production and individual accolades make him one of the better first-round picks the Lions have made during this stretch.
7. Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama (2022)
Williams arrived in Detroit with one of the most exciting skill sets in the 2022 NFL Draft. The Lions selected him 12th overall despite the torn ACL he suffered during Alabama's national championship game, betting on his game-breaking speed and enormous upside.
After taking some time to establish himself, Williams has developed into a dangerous weapon in Detroit's offense. His ability to stretch the field has added another dimension to the Lions' attack, and he has become an increasingly important part of their passing game. He still has room to develop, but Williams' explosive ability makes him one of the more intriguing players on this list.
8. Tyleik Williams, DT, Ohio State (2025)
It's only been one season for Tyleik Williams, but the Lions saw a player capable of strengthening an already talented defensive front. Detroit selected the former Ohio State standout in the first round because of his size, power and ability to disrupt the interior.
Williams has the traits that made him a first-round selection while learning alongside veterans on Detroit's defensive line. His career is still in the early stages, but his physical tools could allow him to become a major contributor for the Lions.
9. Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama (2024)
The Lions selected Arnold 24th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, adding a highly regarded cornerback to a defense that desperately needed more talent in the secondary. Arnold entered Detroit after a standout career at Alabama and quickly became part of the team's plans.
He experienced growing pains early in his career, but his physicality and coverage improved. Unfortunately, off-the-field issues halted his career. Arnold faced eight felony charges, including armed robbery and kidnapping. The Lions released him shortly after the charges surfaced.
10. Jeff Okudah, CB, Ohio State (2020)
The Lions selected Okudah third overall in the 2020 NFL Draft, hoping the former Ohio State star would become the long-term cornerstone of their secondary. Okudah entered the NFL with elite physical tools and was widely regarded as the best cornerback prospect in his class.
Unfortunately, injuries and inconsistent play prevented him from reaching the expectations attached to such a high selection. Okudah spent three seasons in Detroit, appearing in 25 games and making 22 starts, recording 124 tackles, two interceptions and 10 passes defensed. The Lions eventually moved on from him in 2023, making Okudah one of the biggest first-round disappointments of the Brad Holmes era.
What does this mean for Iowa football fans?
For Hawkeye fans, seeing two former Iowa standouts rank in the top six of this list is a point of pride. Campbell and Hockenson both represent the quality of talent that comes out of Iowa's football program, and their success at the professional level reinforces the Hawkeyes' reputation for developing NFL-ready players, particularly on defense and at tight end.
Campbell's rise to a leadership role in Detroit's defense is especially notable. His journey from Iowa City to becoming a key piece of one of the NFC's best teams is a testament to the values of hard work and discipline that define Iowa football.
Frequently asked questions about the Lions' draft picks
Who was the Lions' best first-round pick in the last 10 years?
Penei Sewell, selected seventh overall in 2021, is widely considered the Lions' best first-round pick of the last decade. He has earned multiple Pro Bowl selections and First-Team All-Pro honors as one of the NFL's top offensive tackles.
Which Iowa players were drafted in the first round by the Lions?
Two former Iowa standouts were selected in the first round by Detroit: T.J. Hockenson (eighth overall in 2019) and Jack Campbell (18th overall in 2023). Both have enjoyed productive NFL careers.
What happened to Terrion Arnold?
Arnold was released by the Lions after facing eight felony charges, including armed robbery and kidnapping. His off-the-field issues brought a sudden end to his time in Detroit.