As the Detroit Lions prepare to play in the Divisional Round the NFL playoffs on Saturday against the Washington Commanders, it’s interesting to compare whether some players on the Detroit Pistons may be on a similar path to stardom as some of their Lions brethren.
Projections between two different sports aren’t particularly predictive, but let’s take a shot. It would be difficult to find a comparison for Lions offensive lineman Penei Sewell, who is one of the best players at his position, and defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, who when healthy could the best defensive player in the NFL. But here are a few ideas.
Amon-Ra St. Brown Pistons comparison – Cade Cunningham
St. Brown was a draft pick and one of the first members of the Lions core, just like Cunningham. Both are team leaders. Both play with a high motor and are All-Pro/All-Star caliber performers. Losing either for an extended period of time would be devastating.
Brian Branch– Ausar Thompson
Both players are original draft picks as well. Branch makes things happen as the last line of defense at safety for the Lions and brings a level of versatility in the ability to play multiple positions. The same goes for Thompson, who can guard multiple positions and is finding his niche on offense.
Jack Campbell-Ron Holland, Jr.
It’s hard to know whether either player will become a true star, but the potential is there. Campbell was drafted as a linebacker to patrol the middle of the Lions defense and should grow into a team leader and top performer. Holland appears to have similar potential for the Pistons. Like Thompson, his ceiling may not be realized for several years.
Jared Goff comparison-Malik Beasley
This may be a bit of a stretch but here’s one reason the two have similarities – both were largely given up by their former teams before exceling in Detroit. Goff was traded with draft picks for Matthew Stafford and few thought he would be the long-term answer at quarterback. He’s perhaps the most efficient quarterback now in the NFL.
Beasley wasn’t re-signed by the Milwaukee Bucks and the Pistons picked him up for a bargain price of $6 million for one year. All he’s done is average 16.3 ppg and shoot over 40 percent from three-point range.
DJ Reader comparison-Tim Hardaway, Jr.
The Lions defensive tackle has been in the NFL since 2016, with experience as an All-Pro. He’s solid and dependable and an important part of the Lion’s defensive line that has been decimated by injuries. Hardaway has shown more consistency the last month of the season and brings a calm, veteran presence that is needed for the Pistons.