Even decades after his final snap, Barry Sanders continues to rack up honors—and this latest one comes straight from ESPN. Analyst Ben Solak named the Detroit Lions legend the greatest No. 3 overall pick in NFL Draft history, edging out Hall of Fame greats like Anthony Munoz and Joe Thomas.
For Lions fans, this isn’t a surprise—it’s a confirmation of what they’ve known all along: Barry Sanders isn’t just the greatest No. 3 pick ever, he’s still the best Lion to ever wear the uniform.
Drafted in 1989, Sanders tore through the league for ten unforgettable seasons, racking up 15,269 rushing yards and 99 touchdowns. He didn’t just play the game—he changed it. His jaw-dropping agility, impossible spin moves, and silent humility made him a legend on and off the field.
ESPN’s Solak admitted it was a tough call, given how long Munoz and Thomas dominated at their positions. But what gave Sanders the edge? Style, impact, and legacy. He didn’t need two more seasons to break Walter Payton’s all-time rushing record—he walked away from the game at the peak of his powers, and still left a mark that’s unmatched.
And while other all-time greats may be part of their team’s history, Sanders is Detroit football. From Ford Field to the Hall of Fame, his presence still looms large. Today’s stars like Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jahmyr Gibbs look up to him. The fans still wear his jersey. The roar of the crowd still echoes with his name.
In a city now seeing its football team finally rise, Barry’s greatness remains the gold standard. And if you ask around Detroit, there’s no debate: Barry Sanders wasn’t just the best No. 3 pick—he’s the greatest player to ever call himself a Lion.
Barry Sanders Crowned the Greatest No. 3 Pick in NFL History—And He’s Still the Heart of the Lions
