Lions' first pick: Last 20 players drafted No. 21

Go through the gallery to see how the past 20 players drafted with the 21st overall pick have fared in the NFL. (Go here if you have trouble viewing the gallery.) 

With the NFL draft fast approaching, the Lions will look to plug one of their roster holes with the No. 21 pick.

From linebacker and defensive back to running back and tight end, Detroit will be looking to upgrade at several spots and land an immediate contributor.

But what type of talent can the Lions expect to get?

Like most players taken later in the first round, it's been hit or miss.

Over the past 20 years, the 21st overall pick has resulted in a few busts and one-year wonders — anybody remember receivers Matt Jones or Sylvester Morris? — as well as several All-Pros and a potential first-ballot Hall of Famer in receiver Randy Moss.

More recently, three of the past five players drafted at No. 21 have appeared in at least one Pro Bowl: safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, tight end Tyler Eifert and defensive end Chandler Jones.

In total, nine players selected with the 21st overall pick since 1997 went on to become Pro Bowlers, including center Alex Mack, safety Reggie Nelson and nose tackle Vince Wilfork.

So while it's unlikely the Lions are going to strike gold, there's plenty of examples of past players who have panned out at No. 21.

jhawkins@detroitnews.com

Twitter: @jamesbhawkins