When the Detroit Lions are on the clock with the No. 7 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, they may or may not have the opportunity to select their future quarterback.
But, as I have said, I think it would be a mistake for the Lions to select a QB at No. 7 because, in my opinion, they will be able to get an even better prospect than Trey Lance or Justin Fields if they wait until 2022, where I project they will have the No. 1 overall pick.
According to a way-too-early 2022 mock draft put out by Pro Football Network, the Lions will indeed have the No. 1 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft and they will select QB Sam Howell out of North Carolina.
From Pro Football Network:
This is an absolute no-brainer if the Detroit Lions end up selecting first overall as they do in this 2022 First Round NFL Mock Draft. The assumption here is they don’t select a quarterback in 2021, instead “relying” on Jared Goff to guide them to their quarterback of the future in Sam Howell.
Not only does Howell possess a marvelous mustache, but a great arm and the ability to make plays with his legs. He has thrown for 7,227 passing yards through two seasons with the Tar Heels, with 68 touchdowns to just 14 interceptions. North Carolina’s offense has been potent with Howell at the wheel. Hopefully, the Lions will have a pass-catching weapon such as DeVonta Smith to help continue that in Detroit.
Now, I don’t agree with the Lions wasting the No. 7 pick in 2021 on DeVonta Smith but grabbing Sam Howell in 2022 would be better than reaching for Lance or Fields.
