April 26, 2023

Detroit Lions could land ‘next Drew Brees’ in 2023 NFL Draft

Inside the Article:

We are just one day away from the 2023 NFL Draft and there is a chance the Detroit Lions could land the ‘next Drew Brees‘ if things fall their way. There is no question about it that Lions GM Brad Holmes will add a quarterback to the Lions roster prior to training camp, which means he will either add one via the NFL Draft, or he will wait until the draft is over and sign a veteran free agent such as Teddy Bridgewater.

Detroit Lions 2023 NFL Power Rankings 2023 NFL Mock Draft NFL Hall of Fame Gould Off-season needs Teddy Bridgewater Jake McQuaide Ford Family Roschon Johnson Drew Brees

Key Points

The NFL Draft is just one day away

The Lions currently hold the No. 6 and No. 18 picks in the opening round and nine picks overall
The Lions could land the next Brees if everything falls their way

Detroit Lions could land ‘next Drew Brees’ in 2023 NFL Draft

If there is one quarterback in this draft that I would love for the Lions to select in the upcoming NFL Draft, it is Jake Haener out of Fresno State. Yes, he undersized (much like Brees was), but he is extremely tough (as Brees was), extremely smart (as Brees was), and he has the “it factor” (as Brees had), which makes me believe he could end up being a solid NFL quarterback.

When would the Lions have to pull the trigger?

It was too long ago that some “experts” had Haener as a fifth or sixth-round prospect, but as the draft has approached, many, including Dane Brugler of The Athletic, have a fourth-round grade on the QB out of Fresno State. DSN’s own Don Drysdale recently released his “Perfect” 7-Round mock draft for the Lions, and he has the Lions taking Haener in Round 5. Personally, I cannot see him lasting past Round 4, which is a problem as the Lions do not currently have a fourth-round pick. That being said, Brad Holmes has shown that if there is a player he wants, he is willing to trade up to get him, and that is exactly what I can see happening in this situation.

Bottom Line: Haener is going to be a steal for somebody

Whether or not the Lions are able to land Jake Haener in the upcoming draft is yet to be determined, but there is no question in my mind that any team that takes him will be getting an absolute steal. Is Haener ever going to do what Brees did in the NFL, probably not, that would be a crazy thing to predict. But can he come in and become a solid NFL quarterback for years to come? Yes, I truly believe that to be the case.

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W.G. Brady is a Detroit-based journalist who has been covering the Detroit sports scene for Detroit Sports Nation for several years. He is in his early 30s and has a wealth of experience in the industry. Throughout his career, W.G. has established himself as a respected and knowledgeable journalist known for his in-depth coverage of the teams and athletes in Detroit. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for sports, W.G. has become a go-to source for fans and readers looking for the latest news and analysis on the Detroit sports scene. He has a good reputation in the sports community and is respected for his unbiased coverage of sports events. W.G. is known for his ability to uncover hidden stories and provide unique perspectives on the teams and athletes he covers. He has a good understanding of the city of Detroit and its sports culture, which he uses to inform his reporting and analysis. He continues to be a respected journalist in the Detroit sports industry.