The Detroit Lions most underrated and overrated need for 2020

Why quarterback is the most overrated need for the Detroit Lions

Head coach Matt Patricia and general manager Bob Quinn must get the Lions to the playoffs in 2020 or it is highly likely they will both be out of a job. With that in mind, they are very unlikely to think a rookie quarterback is the answer. Even discounting that tidbit, let’s dive further into why quarterback is not a need in 2020.

The Lions’ starting quarterback, Matthew Stafford, was in the midst of a very good season before a back injury knocked him out for the season at the halfway mark. In 2019 as a whole, in just eight games, Stafford had thrown for 2,499 yards, 19 touchdowns, and just five interceptions.

In addition to those numbers, Stafford also 64.3 percent passing completion percentage, was averaging 8.6 yards per attempt, 13.4 yards per completion, and had a quarterback rating of 106.

Stafford was on pace to finish with 4,998 yards and 38 touchdowns to just 10 interceptions. On top of that, Stafford’s completion percentage of 64.3 percent was the best of his career in an offense that actually attacked downfield.

Sure, he had a completion percentage over 65 percent a few times under former offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter. But that offense almost never attempted a pass deep down the field, instead opting for shorter, easier completions.

Looking even further at the numbers, Stafford’s yards per attempt and yards per completion were both career highs, besting his previous bests by almost a full yard each. His quarterback rating of 106 was also by far the best of his career. Pro Football Focus, a site that grades every player, every game, gave Stafford an 82.4 grade, which is very good for their grades.

In their (PFF) quarterback rankings put out prior to this year’s Super Bowl, Stafford landed eighth on the list. Had he not lost half a season to injury, it’s entirely plausible he could have earned himself a top-five grade.

So no, while the Lions might look at upgrading the backup position, there is absolutely no reason to waste the third overall pick on a quarterback that wouldn’t see the field his rookie season or be able to give the team a better chance to win than Stafford does. If the Lions do decide to draft a quarterback, it shouldn’t be before the fifth or sixth round.

Free Agency Options to be backup: Marcus Mariota, Case Keenum, (re-sign) Jeff Driskel

Draft Options to be backup: Cole McDonald (UH), Bryce Perkins (UVA), James Morgan (FIU)