The Detroit Lions may have the NFL's best wide receiver and a 5,000-yard passer at quarterback who still is just 25 years old.

But that doesn't mean there's much confidence in the franchise's over the next three years, at least according to ESPN's Future Power Rankings.

ESPN's panel has the Lions at No. 21 overall out of 32 teams, right behind the Minnesota Vikings and Miami Dolphins. Detroit is one spot ahead of the Chicago Bears.

The panel ranked each team on its roster, QB, draft, front office and coaching. The Lions received their lowest marks for front office and coaching.

Regarding Detroit's front office, former GM Bill Polian noted:

"Last year's step back was not good, but neither is it fatal. GM Martin Mayhew and head coach Jim Schwartz have built a team with a top-flight defense and added to that in the draft with (Ezekiel) Ansah and Darius Slay. Free agency produced (Glover) Quin and Jason Jones. The focus is now on the offense. Can Megatron, (Reggie) Bush, (Matthew) Stafford and an untested offensive line get them to the next level?."

Added Herm Edwards, on the Lions' coach: "This is a big season for Schwartz. Only 22-42 in his four seasons with Detroit, he needs to get this team back to the playoffs. An emotional coach, the team has taken on his personality, but sometimes has taken it too far. Last year was a flop and Schwartz knows it. His team is good enough to compete in this division. Now they have to go out and do it."

Mel Kiper also says Detroit's last three drafts have been "so-so" and the team really needs Ansah to pan out. "If he fails, it'll be a knock against this front office."

ESPN's top five, in order: San Francisco, Green Bay, Seattle, Baltimore and New England.

-- Email Josh Slagter at jslagter@mlive.com. Download the "Detroit Lions on MLive" app (iPhone or Android) for the latest news.