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5 later-round quarterbacks Detroit Lions could target in 2023 NFL Draft

By Brad Berreman

BERKELEY, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 25: Dorian Thompson-Robinson #1 of the UCLA Bruins warms up during pregame warm ups prior to the start the game against the California Golden Bears at California Memorial Stadium on November 25, 2022 in Berkeley, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
BERKELEY, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 25: Dorian Thompson-Robinson #1 of the UCLA Bruins warms up during pregame warm ups prior to the start the game against the California Golden Bears at California Memorial Stadium on November 25, 2022 in Berkeley, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Jake Haener, Fresno State

According to Logan Lamorandier of SI.com, the Lions will have Haener in for a top-30 visit this coming week. The Senior Bowl MVP lacks ideal size (6-foot tall), but it appears he some added weight between end of the college season and the NFL Combine (207 pounds).

Haener’s best college season was 2021, when he threw for 4,096 yards (ninth in FBS) with 33 touchdowns and nine interceptions. He returned to school rather than enter the 2022 draft, and despite missing four games last season he earned First Team All-Mountain West honors (2,896 yards, 20 touchdowns, three interceptions). He showed some ability with his legs too, with eight rushing touchdowns over his three seasons at Fresno State after transferring from Washington.

There are natural questions about level of competition for Haener, coming out of the Mountain West. But let’s look at what he did against some notable opponents over the last couple seasons.

2021: Oregon–298 yards, one touchdown
2021: UCLA–455 yards, two touchdowns, one interception
2021: San Diego State–306 yards, one touchdown
2022: Oregon State–360 yards, one touchdown
2022: USC–117 yards, one touchdown, one interception (injured in the game)
2022: San Diego State–394 yards, three touchdowns, two interceptions
2022: Washington State (bowl game)–280 yards, two touchdowns

Dane Brugler of The Athletic has offered Taylor Heinicke (“a resourceful NFL backup”) as a comp for Haener. That’s obviously not all that exciting when considering a potential Lions’ quarterback of the future. But Haener’s overall makeup and toughness feels like a match with head coach Dan Campbell, and there may be something here to work with to exceed a “resourceful backup” comp.

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