With the kind of talented roster the Detroit Lions have entering the 2024 season, the team is bound to see at least one player receive a first-team All-Pro selection for the first time in their career.
But Sports Illustrated’s Matt Verderame thinks there are four Lions players who are potential first-time, first-team All-Pros, a list that includes tight end Sam LaPorta, guard Kevin Zeitler, edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson and defensive lineman Alim McNeill.
LaPorta is coming off what was one of the best seasons for a rookie tight end in NFL history. His 86 receptions, 889 yards and 10 touchdowns ranked first, fourth and second all-time.
With a year under his belt and more targets available after the departure of Josh Reynolds, it stands to reason he could be even better in 2024, which would most certainly garner All-Pro consideration.
Hutchinson improved his career-best mark for sacks in 2023, with the Michigan product tallying 11.5 after posting 9.5 during his rookie campaign. That was especially impressive because he didn’t have a ton of help around him.
But with the additions of Marcus Davenport and D.J. Reader, along with an improved secondary that should give him more time to get after the quarterback, Hutchinson is primed to take a massive step forward in his third season.
McNeill is fresh off a breakout campaign and is in a contract year. If he can build upon what he did in his third campaign, it’s certainly reasonable to believe he can at least work his way into the All-Pro conversation.
Last but not least, we have Zeitler, who has been a good interior offensive lineman for years now. The veteran solidified his status with his first Pro Bowl nod in 2023 and could be even better with the Lions thanks to caliber of players he has next to him.
As impressive as it is to have four Lions make the list, you can make an argument for even more players, like quarterback Jared Goff and running back Jahmyr Gibbs, for example.