In a season filled with surprises and impactful draft picks, the Detroit Lions have found success by investing in positions that aren't always prioritized in the NFL. Coach Dan Campbell took a moment to revel in the accomplishment of two of their recent draft picks, running back Jahmyr Gibbs and tight end Sam LaPorta, who have exceeded expectations and become key contributors to the team.
Criticism surrounded the Lions' decisions to draft Gibbs and LaPorta, mainly due to the perceived devaluation of running backs and tight ends in the league. Gibbs, selected 12th overall, raised eyebrows because of his position. However, the Lions' faith in these players has paid off, and Campbell applauded general manager Brad Holmes for his astute selections.
The Lions are not the only team challenging the conventional wisdom of player value. The San Francisco 49ers made a significant investment in running back Christian McCaffrey when they gave up a haul of draft picks to acquire him in 2022. McCaffrey, now the highest-paid running back in the league, proved his worth this season by scoring an impressive 21 touchdowns and emerging as an MVP finalist. His versatility as a threat in the passing game has posed challenges for opposing defenses, as linebackers and safeties struggle to keep up with his dual-threat abilities.
The Baltimore Ravens, known for their formidable defense, have also bucked the trend by prioritizing positions like pass rushers and inside linebackers. Rather than making splashy signings during the start of free agency, the Ravens bolstered their pass rush with late additions in August (Jadeveon Clowney) and September (Kyle Van Noy). This unconventional approach paid off handsomely, as the duo combined for a staggering 18 1/2 of Baltimore's league-leading 60 sacks.
The Ravens' investment in defensive players extends beyond just their pass rush. They traded for inside linebacker Roquan Smith last season and promptly signed him to a lucrative five-year, $100 million deal. Alongside Smith, the Ravens also boast Patrick Queen, a first-round draft pick from 2020, making their middle of the defense a formidable force. This investment in the middle has paid dividends, forcing offenses to shift their focus to the perimeter.
Meanwhile, the Kansas City Chiefs have veered away from the traditional emphasis on positions like quarterbacks and wide receivers, instead investing in less-coveted positions. Running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire was their first-round pick in 2020 and showed promise as a rookie, rushing for over 800 yards. The Chiefs also made guard Joe Thuney one of their highest-paid players, and he rewarded them with an All-Pro season.
The Detroit Lions continued their trend of defying convention by selecting Gibbs despite the skepticism surrounding his position. Alongside LaPorta, the pair has shattered records for rookie combined scrimmage touchdowns since the 1970 merger, proving that investing in non-conventional positions can yield significant rewards.
However, it's important to note that these teams haven't completely abandoned traditional positions either. The Ravens' Lamar Jackson is one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in the league, while the San Francisco 49ers made defensive lineman Nick Bosa the highest-paid defensive player in NFL history with a mega five-year, $170 million deal. Additionally, both teams boast highly compensated inside linebackers, Roquan Smith and Fred Warner, respectively, giving them a distinct advantage over opponents at that crucial position.
In the end, these teams have demonstrated that breaking away from conventional player value can yield fruitful results. Whether it's investing in versatile running backs, dominant inside linebackers, or game-changing pass rushers, they have prioritized players who excel in specific roles within their schemes. And as the Lions, Ravens, 49ers, and Chiefs continue to flourish in the playoffs, other teams in the league might take note and consider reevaluating their approach to roster building.
