If you follow my podcast, “The Squad,” or read my sports articles on WRIF.com, then you know that I’m a fan of Jared Goff. I think he’s really proven himself invaluable to the Lions, and there’s something about his chemistry with the team and humble approach that is just a winning thing for Detroit.
However, the Lions are looking for some help when it comes to backing up Goff. With the NFL Draft a few weeks away, they’re really narrowing down the field when it comes to finding a backup quarterback for the upcoming season.
NFL Draft predicament
Since the Lions, thankfully, had a great season last year, the team won’t have the top draft picks. That’s totally okay with me. I’d rather see us winning that bank on some draft picks down the line. So, the team is likely looking at a later-round draft pick on a backup quarterback with some promise.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – AUGUST 12: Aidan Hutchinson #97 of the Detroit Lions puts pressure on Marcus Mariota #1 of the Atlanta Falcons in the first quarter during a NFL preseason game at Ford Field on August 12, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
One prospect
The Lions attended the Purdue Boilermakers’ pro day last week and met with quarterback Aidan O’Connell. They were also looking at tight end Payne Durham and other prospects. The news comes from Tony Pauline of Pro Football Network, who says they met with O’Connell after the team’s workout.
COLLEGE PARK, MARYLAND – OCTOBER 08: Aidan O’Connell #16 of the Purdue Boilermakers throws a pass in the first quarter against the Maryland Terrapins at SECU Stadium on October 08, 2022 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
Why the Lions need a backup QB
Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes has stated that the team waited too long last season to lock in a backup quarterback.
“I feel like last year we kind of left training camp kind of sliding into home plate trying to fill that backup quarterback role,” Holmes said at the Combine (via DetroitLions.com). “And that’s on me. I got to do a better job of making sure that we’re not in that position again. So that is something that we’re gonna need to address whether it’s here in free agency or upcoming in the draft. But that’s something that we’ve had a lot of conversations about. I got to do a better job of making sure we get that rectified.”
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – SEPTEMBER 11: Aidan Hutchinson #97 of the Detroit Lions plays against the Philadelphia Eagles at Ford Field on September 11, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)