The Best Second-Round Gems in Lions History: How They Were Found

Exploring the top second-round draft picks that became standouts for the Detroit Lions over the years.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 11:11am by

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A cubist, fragmented painting depicting a football game or match, with sharp geometric shapes in shades of blue, green, and orange overlapping to create a dynamic, abstract composition.The Detroit Lions' history of finding standout players in the second round of the NFL Draft is a testament to the team's scouting prowess.San Francisco Today

The Detroit Lions have found great value in the second round of the NFL Draft, selecting several Hall of Famers and long-time starters over the decades. This article takes a look back at some of the best second-round picks in Lions history, including offensive lineman Dick Stanfel, defensive back Lem Barney, defensive lineman Al Baker, linebacker Chris Spielman, kicker Jason Hanson, and cornerback Darius Slay.

Why it matters

The Lions' ability to uncover talent outside the first round of the draft has been crucial to the team's success over the years. These second-round gems have become franchise cornerstones, Hall of Famers, and key contributors, proving that teams can find elite players throughout the draft if they scout and evaluate talent effectively.

The details

The Lions have drafted two Hall of Famers in the second round - offensive lineman Dick Stanfel in 1951 and defensive back Lem Barney in 1967. Stanfel was an All-Pro guard who won two NFL championships with the team, while Barney recorded 56 interceptions and 17 fumble recoveries over his 11-year career in Detroit. Other standout second-round picks include defensive lineman Al Baker, who set a rookie sack record in 1978, linebacker Chris Spielman, a three-time All-Pro, and kicker Jason Hanson, the Lions' all-time leading scorer. More recently, cornerback Darius Slay emerged as a shutdown corner after being drafted in the second round in 2013.

  • The Lions drafted Dick Stanfel in the second round in 1951.
  • Lem Barney was drafted by the Lions in the second round in 1967.
  • Al Baker was the Lions' second-round pick in 1978.
  • Chris Spielman was selected by the Lions in the second round in 1988.
  • The Lions drafted kicker Jason Hanson in the second round in 1992.
  • Darius Slay was the Lions' second-round pick in 2013.

The players

Dick Stanfel

A Hall of Fame offensive lineman who won two NFL championships with the Lions and was a five-time All-Pro selection.

Lem Barney

A Hall of Fame defensive back who recorded 56 interceptions and 17 fumble recoveries over 11 seasons with the Lions.

Al Baker

A defensive lineman who set a rookie sack record with 23 sacks in 1978, though sacks were not an official stat at the time.

Chris Spielman

A linebacker who was a three-time All-Pro and is now a special assistant to the Lions' owner.

Jason Hanson

A kicker who spent his entire 21-year career with the Lions and is the team's all-time leading scorer.

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The takeaway

The Lions' history of finding second-round gems demonstrates that teams can uncover elite talent throughout the draft if they scout and evaluate players effectively. These players have become franchise cornerstones, Hall of Famers, and key contributors, proving the value of strong scouting and player development.