The Detroit Lions are rebuilding but they might not be pigeon-holed into selecting their quarterback of the future in the first round of the 2021 NFL draft next month. The team did receive quarterback Jared Goff in return for trading quarterback Matthew Stafford to the Los Angeles Rams.
While the Lions hold the seventh overall pick, they don’t need to use that pick or trade up to get one of the best quarterbacks in the draft. They can focus on other areas of the roster that need improvement with a blue-chip draft pick instead. And here are three reasons why.
1. Goff has Super Bowl experience
We know it’s a team game and the quarterback can’t win all by himself. But, if Stafford can get repeatedly dragged for not winning a playoff game, then you have to acknowledge Goff’s ability to be successful in the postseason. He’s won two playoff games and started a Super Bowl. Those facts alone should mean he’s a solid replacement for Stafford.
Goff has played in the postseason three different times, including just a few short months ago, with a 2-3 playoff record and has only played in the NFL for five seasons. Stafford has also played in the playoffs three times but with a record of 0-3. Goff’s success should have Lions fans extremely excited! Unless there’s more to quarterbacking than winning playoff games, right?
We could also look at Pro Bowl appearances where Goff has two selections in five years compared to Stafford’s one selection in 12 seasons. This trade looks extremely lopsided by these playoff and Pro Bowl comparisons. Stafford is a great quarterback, but Goff’s accomplishments can’t be ignored. And experience winning in the playoffs says a lot for his status with this team next season.