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The Detroit Lions must draft a quarterback in 2019 if …

By James F. Puzzuoli

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 02: Quarterback Dwayne Haskins of Ohio State works out during day three of the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 2, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 02: Quarterback Dwayne Haskins of Ohio State works out during day three of the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 2, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
(Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

THE NEXT GUY

On the “Locked on Lions” podcast, Justin Rogers even conceded that developing a quarterback could be in the Detroit Lions future, but he believes that move is still a year away (02-28-19):

"“And maybe going the [Patrick] Mahomes route or the Lamar Jackson route. Where you draft a guy to be a back-up for a year. You let Stafford continue to lead the team and obviously you hope for success in that 2020 season. But if it doesn’t work out, you move on to the future.”"

That all sounds great. But if that guy falls to you in this year’s draft, why would the Detroit Lions wait? You are picking in the top ten – although, you should be picking in the top five – and if a talent at the most important position on the field ends up in your lap, you take that player.

With the rookie salary cap, the money spent on the first contract for a quarterback does not destroy franchises as it once did.

The Detroit Lions have not taken a quarterback in the first round since Stafford (2009 draft). The new structure for rookies was put in place in 2011, and missing on quarterbacks is not as big of a deal.

But hitting on a quarterback gives a team the best chance to win because that player isn’t eating up the salary cap with their huge number. The Detroit Lions have made their bed with Stafford in terms of that mega contract, but wouldn’t it be good to have the next guy in place?

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