Lions must draft competition for Jared Goff ASAP

Summary for the Detroit Lions

Circling back to the Detroit Lions’ quarterback position, it is true that some first-round quarterbacks bust and that Tom Brady was a sixth-round selection. Again, outliers provide anecdotal evidence that supports some fan’s opinions that value can be found anywhere in the NFL Draft.

This isn’t saying that it can’t happen. How many sixth-round quarterbacks go on to become the NFL’s all-time leader in touchdowns, yards, playoff wins, etc.? That’s a list of one name, where most great quarterbacks are drafted very early.

We acknowledge the history in Detroit of failed quarterback picks. Name a position that we don’t do that with? Placekicker?  Wait, we drafted Nate Freese and that did not pan out…

You could win the lottery but counting on the lottery to pay for your bills would be beyond foolish. So is drafting no quarterbacks or none before the sixth-round for twelve-plus years.

We believe that it’s smart to use analytics to support the common-sense idea of trying to address the long-term starting quarterback position while we have the draft capital and a starter who can allow a rookie to develop.

The most valuable position to a franchise is by far the quarterback and the Detroit Lions need to find the long-term answer that will allow them to compete for the postseason in the next couple of years. That doesn’t preclude drafting help at other positions.

Waiting passively to see if Jared Goff can convince them he is that man or having to address their starting role immediately in the future leads to bad decisions, like the ones people remember us making in the past.

For Brad Holmes to keep his job and provide the success that fans are clamoring for, he needs to invest in other options starting with the next draft.  He doesn’t have to force any pick, he is in great shape if his staff can identify the next franchise quarterback. Regardless of Jared Goff’s success addressing the position via the draft makes both financial sense and the need to have depth at the most important position.

If you are not convinced, we hope that you are entertained and challenged in your preconceived notions about the topic. Go, Lions!