The Detroit Lions rate as the NFL\'s best drafting team over the past five years, according to a new analysis of draft performance from 2020-2024, leading all franchises with an average Approximate Value of 10.53 per selection.
The study, which evaluated all 32 NFL teams based on their recent draft classes, examined several key metrics including top 50 picks, Pro Bowl selections, and starting seasons produced by draft choices.
Detroit\'s success stems largely from Brad Holmes\' first three draft classes, which featured standout performers like offensive tackle Penei Sewell, wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson, and tight end Sam LaPorta. The Lions\' drafting prowess has played a crucial role in their organizational turnaround.
The Kansas City Chiefs ranked second with an average Approximate Value of 9.46 despite having just five top-50 picks during this period. Their ability to find value with lower selections like center Creed Humphrey (63rd overall, 2021) and guard Trey Smith (226th overall, 2021) has helped sustain their championship-caliber roster.
The Baltimore Ravens (8.95), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8.94), and Dallas Cowboys (8.76) rounded out the top five, each demonstrating consistent ability to identify and develop talent through the draft.
The Ravens were particularly praised for their 2022 first-round haul of safety Kyle Hamilton and center Tyler Linderbaum, while the Buccaneers benefited from selecting Tristan Wirfs and Antoine Winfield Jr. in 2020. Dallas, meanwhile, hit on elite picks like Micah Parsons, CeeDee Lamb and Trevon Diggs.
At the bottom of the rankings were the Arizona Cardinals (4.9), Tennessee Titans (5.0), and New England Patriots (5.58), reflecting years of poor draft decisions that have contributed to their recent struggles.
The Titans\' selection of offensive tackle Isaiah Wilson (29th overall, 2020), who played just four snaps with the team before washing out of the league, was cited as \"one of the worst-performing first-round picks of all time.\"
The evaluation used Pro Football Reference\'s Approximate Value metric as a basic guide to rank teams, while acknowledging that the measurement is an approximation and that younger players from recent drafts are still developing.
Many teams\' rankings were significantly affected by major trades, with the Los Angeles Rams (29th) and Cleveland Browns (27th) both hampered by deals that cost them premium draft capital but brought veteran talent in return.
The analysis also highlighted several \"best value\" picks, including Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (177th overall, 2023), 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (262nd overall, 2022), and Lions receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (112th overall, 2021) as examples of teams finding impact players in later rounds.
Among recent number one overall selections, only Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (2020) and Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (2021) were identified as their team\'s best pick of the past five years, while Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (2023) was labeled his team\'s worst selection.
The study suggests that consistent drafting success remains the foundation for sustainable NFL success, with the league\'s top-performing teams showing skill at not only selecting high-impact players early but also finding contributors throughout all seven rounds.
Team Draft Rankings:
1. Detroit Lions (10.53)
2. Kansas City Chiefs (9.46)
3. Baltimore Ravens (8.95)
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8.94)
5. Dallas Cowboys (8.76)
6. Miami Dolphins (8.75)
7. Cincinnati Bengals (8.48)
8. Buffalo Bills (8.46)
9. Philadelphia Eagles (8.45)
10. Los Angeles Chargers (8.41)
11. Chicago Bears (8.18)
12. Pittsburgh Steelers (8.18)
13. Seattle Seahawks (7.92)
14. Houston Texans (7.76)
15. Denver Broncos (7.34)
16. New York Jets (7.33)
17. San Francisco 49ers (7.30)
18. Green Bay Packers (7.28)
19. Atlanta Falcons (7.08)
20. New York Giants (7.07)
21. New Orleans Saints (7.06)
22. Washington Commanders (7.00)
23. Jacksonville Jaguars (6.82)
24. Indianapolis Colts (6.73)
25. Carolina Panthers (6.58)
26. Minnesota Vikings (6.43)
27. Cleveland Browns (5.95)
28. Las Vegas Raiders (5.89)
29. Los Angeles Rams (5.58)
30. New England Patriots (5.58)
31. Tennessee Titans (5.0)
32. Arizona Cardinals (4.9)