Analyst explains why Lions have third-best rookie class

In the span of 12 months, the Detroit Lions went from a 3-13-1 franchise to a 7-8 team fighting for a playoff spot in the NFC.

The Lions' 2022 draft class is to thank for much of the team’s quick turnaround, which is why they landed at No. 3 on Bucky Brooks’ list of the five best draft classes on NFL.com.

“Credit coach Dan Campbell and GM Brad Holmes for adding a group of rookies who fit the Lions' brand,” Brooks said. “Defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, linebacker James Houston, defensive back Kerby Joseph and linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez have brought grit, toughness and playmaking ability to a defense that has started to improve down the stretch. Although that unit is far from perfect, the group has been playing winning football since defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn ushered in a youth movement on his side of the ball. … After evaluating the play of the Lions' rookie class, it is not a surprise that Detroit's recent run of success (6-1 over the past seven games) has coincided with a strong showing by this crop.”

Hutchinson (seven) and Houston (five) rank first and second among rookie defenders in sacks, while Hutchinson has the second-most interceptions (two) and seventh-most tackles (44) among first-year players.

Rodriguez has the third-most tackles (79) among rookies and Lions players, and Joseph leads the team in interceptions (three) and forced fumbles (two), and he’s fourth on the team in tackles (73) and passes defensed (five).

Although Detroit has the last-ranked defense and scoring defense, it went from allowing 32.1 points per game over its first seven games to just 20.3 points per game over its last eight. The Lions are also allowing 21.3 fewer yards per game over that eight-game span, of which they won six.