Inside the Article:
The 2022 NFL regular season is a wrap and the Detroit Lions are going to have to make quite a few important roster decisions during the upcoming offseason. Though I do not look at the starting quarterback position as an issue as Jared Goff has proven himself as a formidable QB for what the Lions are trying to do, they will have to add a couple of backups before the 2023 season begins. They will address this via free agency and/or the 2023 NFL Draft.
Why it Matters
When the new league year begins in mid-March, assuming they don’t get a deal done before that, the Lions will only have one quarterback under contract, and that is Jared Goff.
- Only Jared Goff will be under contract when the new league year begins
- The Lions will have to add a couple of QBs to the mix during the upcoming offseason
Which QBs should the Detroit Lions consider in the 2023 NFL Draft?
Personally, I believe the Lions will sign a veteran free agent QB to back up Goff in 2023, but I also believe they should add a late-round QB in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Five prospects the Lions should consider in the later rounds of the draft are as follows:
- Jake Haener (Fresno State)
- Dorian Thompson-Robinson (UCLA)
- Malik Cunningham (Louisville)
- Max Duggan (TCU)
- Clayton Tune (Houston) (*H/T to our own A.J. Reilly for putting Tune on my radar)
*Scouting reports via NFL Draft Buzz
Jake Haener
- Good (not elite) arm strength and can easily make all the NFL throws with effortless deep passes.
- Ball placement is a strength. Haener has the natural instincts to make plays when forced to improvise.
- Very confident passer and shows good accuracy and feel when in rhythm. Showed better ball placement from past years and throws very catchable passes. Puts too much air in some of his throws and needs to show a lower trajectory on deep throws.
Dorian Thompson-Robinson
- Gets the ball out quickly, making · split-second decisions. Good short to intermediate-level accuracy, demonstrating the ball placement to allow receivers to run after the catch.
- Physically, Thompson-Robinson is a natural athlete who plays with balance and light feet to float in the pocket.
- He’s a pure athlete, loose-limbed and flexible. Thompson-Robinson has the speed to pick up yardage in scramble situations.
Malik Cunningham
- Physically, Cunningham is a natural athlete who plays with balance and light feet to float in the pocket.
- Good (not elite) arm strength and can easily make all the NFL throws with effortless deep passes.
- Gets the ball out quickly, making · split-second decisions. Good short to intermediate-level accuracy, demonstrating the ball placement to allow receivers to run after the catch.
Max Duggan
- Super tough signal caller, who will play through injuries. He’s got a sturdy frame and a strong arm which will fit well in the pros
- Able to extend the play and escape the rush in an effort to buy time
- Uses his eyes well to keep safeties at bay – although probably needs to do this more often
- Athletic quarterback who is a threat to leave the pocket and gain positive yardage at any time. Possesses very good vision balance, elusiveness, and excellent speed and power as a runner. Always battles for extra yardage and not afraid to take on linebackers
Clayton Tune
- Enough arm strength to drive the ball through tight windows up to 20 yards downfield. Spreads the ball around to multiple receivers.
- Sees the field very well when the play breaks down and occasionally changes plays at the line.
- He’s a threat with his legs – his play-fakes are outstanding, and Tune has the ability to manipulate safeties with his eyes.
- Tune has plus arm strength and a willingness and ability to throw receivers open, as well as good ball placement out to intermediate levels.
Bottom Line
- The Lions need to sign a couple of quarterbacks during the upcoming offseason
- Look for Lions to sign a veteran to serve as the primary backup to begin the season
- Look for the Lions to consider selecting a QB in the later rounds of the 2023 NFL Draft as a project player
