Could the Detroit Lions draft a first-round quarterback and still contend?

Bob Quinn won’t draft a quarterback with the third overall pick in the NFL Draft as Detroit Lions ownership expects playoff contention, right?

Detroit Lions owner Martha Firestone Ford, Sheila Ford Hamp, along with team president Rod Wood issued an open letter to fans after an underwhelming 3-12-1 record in 2019. The letter acknowledged their disappointment for the lack of wins, explained that stability among leadership is a prerequisite to success, and their expectation is to contend for the playoffs in 2020.

It seems most Lions fans would have preferred the firing of head coach Matt Patricia and general manager Bob Quinn after only nine wins in two seasons together. Ownership not only decided to bring them back, but also laid out a clear expectation to contend for the playoffs next season.

Given the recent back injuries to Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford, paired with the fact that neither of his backups on the roster could win a single game in seven tries last year, the responsible decision for the organization to make with the third overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft is to select a quarterback.

The speculation among fans and media who cover the Lions is that there is no possible way that Quinn could draft a quarterback in the first round and still be a playoff contender next year. You can’t only win three games in one season, draft a quarterback to develop behind Stafford the following season, and expect to be contender, can you? I’m suggesting that Detroit can have its cake and eat it to.

If the draft falls the way that most people expect with Joe Borrow (QB – LSU) selected at number one by the Cincinnati Bengals, followed by Chase Young (DE – Ohio State) going to the Washington Redskins, a generational talent at quarterback will fall into the Lions lap at number three, Tua Tagovailoa (QB – Alabama).

Draft Tua, and let him heal up and develop under Stafford next season, like the Kansas City Chiefs did with Alex Smith and Patrick Mahomes. Evaluate the quarterback situation at the end of next season and potentially acquire assets for Stafford via trade.

Detroit is nearly $50 million dollars under the projected salary cap and they must spend it wisely in free agency this year to make this work. The team desperately needs to sure up the defensive line, give cornerback Darius Slay a contract extension, and sign a free agent corner who can start opposite Slay, address the offensive guards, as well as improve overall team depth.

Even with Matthew Stafford being out for almost half the 2019 season, this Detroit Lions team competed well and was in reach of winning most their games. With key offseason signings, and if Stafford can stay healthy in 2020, I think the Lions can contend next year and secure their future by drafting Tua Tagovailoa with the third overall pick.