4 Detroit Lions players vulnerable to being replaced in the 2023 NFL Draft

4 Detroit Lions players who are vulnerable to being replaced in the 2023 NFL Draft

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 23: Brock Wright #89 of the Detroit Lions runs with the ball while being tackled by Anthony Barr #42 of the Dallas Cowboys during the second quarter at AT&T Stadium on October 23, 2022 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

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2. QB Nate Sudfeld

Brad Holmes declared priority on the No. 2 quarterback spot behind Jared Goff entering the offseason, as in literally during his season-ending press conference as he noted a lack of addressing the spot a year ago. Sudfeld was re-signed, but other than that it’s been crickets. And no, Teddy Bridgewater is not the answer in any way, shape or form.

Drafting a quarterback is definitely on the radar for the Lions, perhaps in the first round if things break certain ways but more likely after that. Goff’s presence as the locked-in starter for at least one more season affords them the luxury of taking someone in the later rounds with an eye on developing him into Goff’s successor.

No matter what, the Lions can’t go into a 2023 season that has high expectations with Sudfeld as the only remotely viable option behind Goff. If Goff missed any time, it would a repeat of Tim Boyle in 2021 for any games Sudfeld had to start.

A rookie quarterback would at least offer some excitement behind Goff, and said rookie (even say a fifth-rounder) should have little trouble beating Sudfeld out for the No. 2 spot on the depth chart.

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