History of the 29th pick: Just one Pro Bowl selection in last 10 NFL Drafts
Nolan BianchiLions general manager Brad Holmes’ success in the later rounds of his first three drafts has filled fans with confidence that he will find an exceptional player with the 29th pick when the annual event kicks off Thursday night in Detroit.
But if history tells us anything, it’s that finding star-caliber talent at the end of the first round will be no easy task — regardless of how well Holmes is firing at the moment.
Over the last 10 drafts, the 29th pick has produced just one Pro Bowl selection. Cleveland Browns tight end and 2017 first-rounder David Njoku received his first nod this past season, bringing the grand total for the group up to one.
*Denotes Pro Bowler
▶ 2023 — New Orleans: Bryan Bresee, DT, Clemson
▶ 2022 — New England: Cole Strange, G, Tennessee-Chattanooga
▶ 2021 — Green Bay: Eric Stokes, DB, Georgia
▶ 2020 — Tennessee: Isaiah Wilson, OT, Georgia
▶ 2019 — Seattle: L.J. Collier, DE, TCU
▶ 2018 — Jacksonville: Taven Bryan, DT, Florida
▶ 2017 — Cleveland: David Njoku, TE, Miami (Fla.)*
▶ 2016 — Arizona: Robert Nkemdiche, DT, Ole Miss
▶ 2015 — Indianapolis: Phillip Dorsett, WR, Miami (Fla.)
▶ 2014 — New England: Dominique Easley, DT, Florida
nbianchi@detroitnews.com
@nolanbianchi