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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: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Adrian Martinez, Kansas State

For whatever it’s worth, Martinez was an early top-30 visit for the Lions, back in March.

It feels like forever ago when Martinez was getting some very fringe Heisman buzz heading into his sophomore season at Nebraska, but he never got on track under supposed offensive genius Scott Frost and he transferred to Kansas State for his final college season last year.

Martinez played in 10 games for the Wildcats last year. His passing numbers weren’t outstanding (1,261 yards, six touchdowns, one interception), but he did put up some notable production as a runner (627 yards, 10 touchdowns). He’s got good size (6-foot-3, 219 pounds) and arm strength to go with that mobility, and the flaws in his game (as noted by NFL Draft Buzz) seem able to be worked on and fixable.

"Martinez has a tendency to hold the ball too long, and Martinez will make panicked throws; good things don’t always follow when he’s forced to extend plays. He tends to hold the ball loosely and away from his body, putting him at risk for strip sacks. Martinez gets sloppy with his mechanics on the move, losing accuracy as he relies too much on his arm."

Martinez is not being mentioned among the most talked about late-round quarterback prospects in this draft. Someone may end up unearthing a gem, as he may very well wind up being a better pro than college quarterback if he lands in the right environment.

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