The story of how the Lions passed on Andre Johnson for their worst Draft pick ever

The Detroit Lions have a history of making some of the worst draft picks in NFL history. However, one of their most recent failures not only served as perhaps the lowlight of the pre-2008 Matt Millen era, but it cost them a chance to land a Hall of Fame player in Andre Johnson.

This pick was a horrendous move in terms of productivity on the football field, but the reasons for this failure include his inability to kick some painful addictions and plain old bad luck after injuries sapped him of his overall effectiveness.

All of these factors combined with one another led to former Lions No. 2 overall pick Charles Rogers standing out as the worst NFL Draft pick in Lions history.

Charles Rogers is the worst NFL Draft pick in Detroit Lions history

Rogers was almost beyond reproach as a wide receiver prospect at Michigan State. Using his 6-3 size, blazing speed, and penchant for securing contested catches, Rogers broke the Spartans' record for career touchdown catches with 27 in just two seasons. Rogers won the Biletnikoff Award and was named an All-American.

The Lions held the No. 2 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. With Carson Palmer going No. 1 to the Cincinnati Bengals. Detroit was left to pick between Rogers and Miami's Andre Johnson. Rogers was a local product with superior speed, which led to him staying in Michigan and Johnson going No. 3 to the Houston Texans.

READ MORE: Brad Holmes gives token (and expected) response to Alex Anzalone situation

Johnson would make four All-Pro teams, tally over 14,000 career yards, and be named the first-ever Hall of Famer who played most of his career with the Texans. Rogers, let's say, didn't reach those lofty heights.

Rogers caught 22 passes for 243 yards and three touchdowns in his first five games. In a full 17-game season, Rogers would have amassed 75 catches, 826 yards, and 11 touchdowns. Those are exceptional numbers for a rookie. However, an injury ruined this season and sent him on a downward spiral.

Rogers broke his clavicle in practice and missed the remainder of the 2003 season. His big comeback in 2004 lasted just three plays, as he broke that clavicle again. Matt Millen let him go home for the rest of the season, and he believes that he contributed to Rogers' personal decline by letting him be away from the team's structured environment for a long time.

Rogers struggled to deal with painkillers and was suspended for four games after failing a marijuana test. Bad blood formed after Detroit filed a grievance to recoup millions in bonus money. This led to a 14 catch season with 197 yards and one touchdown. Rod Marinelli would release Rogers early in the 2006 season.

Rogers tried multiple times to force his way back into the NFL, but tryouts with the Dolphins, Patriots, and Buccaneers fell through after he lost his 4.4 speed and was running 4.8 in the 40-yard dash.

Rogers dealt with some legal issues after leaving the Lions. He was arrested multiple times on charges like assault and battery, a parole violation, and driving under the influence. By 2017, Rogers was working at a car repair shop. After being diagnosed with cancer in 2019 and failing to find a liver for a transplant, Rogers passed away from liver failure in 2019 at just 38 years old.

The whole tale of Rogers is one of the saddest stories in recent NFL history. There likely exists an alternate universe where Rogers didn't get hurt and fulfilled his full potential with Detroit.