As the 2026 NFL draft from Pittsburgh nears, CBS Sports' Bryan DeArdo listed all 32 franchises' best and worst draft picks of the 21st century, with the Detroit Lions featuring two notable names chosen that could spark debate.As for the best Lions draft pick over the past 25 seasons, DeArdo chose a clear and obvious answer in wide receiver Calvin Johnson, who was selected No. 2 overall in the 2007 NFL draft out of Georgia Tech.Johnson assembled an illustrious professional career that includes four All-Pro teams, six Pro Bowls, selection to the All-Decade Team for the 2010's, and 2023 induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Across his 137 (regular season and playoffs) games in nine seasons played for the Lions, he caught 748 passes for 11,915 yards and 85 touchdowns.Here is what DeArdo said about Johnson:Best pick: WR Calvin Johnson (No. 2 overall, 2007) Johnson steps in ahead of Matthew Stafford because he is one of the best players ever at his position.

One of three Hall of Famers to be inducted at age 35 or younger (the other two are Jim Brown and Gale Sayers), Johnson led the NFL in receiving in consecutive years. In 2012, the man known as "Megatron" broke Jerry Rice's single-season receiving record with 1,964 yards.As for the worst pick, CBS Sports could have chosen from a lengthy list of options, especially during the atrocious era of decision-making under former general manager Matt Millen. However, DeArdo chose wide receiver Mike Williams out of USC, the Lions' 2005 No. 10 overall selection.Here is what DeArdo said about Williams:Worst pick: WR Mike Williams (No. 10 overall, 2005) Williams is the selection instead of Charles Rodgers, largely based on the fact that the Lions already drafted a receiver in the first round the previous two years.

Despite that fact, then-GM Matt Millen rolled the dice and drafted Williams, who caught just 37 passes during his two-year stay in Detroit. His most successful season in the NFL occurred with the Seahawks in 2010.The Lions will hope to add a few more names to the positive end of this list and to avoid busts when the 2026 NFL draft gets underway in the Steel City beginning on Thursday night.For more Lions coverage, follow us on X, @TheLionsWire, and give our Facebook page a like. Follow Scout on X: @SpringgateNewsThis article originally appeared on Lions Wire: CBS names Lions' best, worst NFL Draft picks of 21st century