6 Quarterbacks for Lions to Watch at NFL Scouting Combine

Read more on the six quarterbacks the Detroit Lions should watch closely at the 2022 NFL scouting combine.

The Detroit Lions are set to go into the 2022 NFL season with Jared Goff as their starting signal-caller. 

But, it doesn't mean that the organization shouldn't be and won't be looking for a successor to the 27-year-old this offseason. 

In fact, his replacement could come in the form of a quarterback selected in this April's NFL Draft. And, the Lions could be getting an up-close look at him this week at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis. 

Without further ado, here are the six QBs that Detroit should be paying close attention to during the week-long combine (March 1-7). 

Pittsburgh's Kenny Pickett 

Seemingly by the day, more and more draft pundits have Pickett as their No. 1 quarterback in this year's draft class. 

As good as he was during his time at Pittsburgh, he's not worth taking at No. 2 overall or even with a top-10 pick. 

As The Draft Network's Joe Marino writes,

"While Pickett showcased good ball placement in 2021, there are some misfires and the ball can sail on him. In addition, he is guilty of aggressive decisions both in terms of slotting throws but also in how he navigates the pocket and addresses pressure. If 2021 is an indication of what Pickett can be moving forward, then there is no doubt about his ability to become a franchise quarterback in the NFL. With that said, blending all the layers of the evaluation together makes Pickett an interesting case study." 

Rest assured, Lions scouts will be studying him this week in Indianapolis. 

And with a good showing, maybe, just maybe, he shoots up a team's draft board and becomes a top-10 pick. 

Liberty's Malik Willis

Willis might just be the passer for the Lions to target at the tail end of the first round. 

NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah certainly thinks so. 

"There's risk involved with any of these quarterbacks, but he provides the upside that warrants taking that risk," Jeremiah told reporters Friday, ahead of next week's scouting combine. "If you're going to take a flier on a quarterback at the bottom of the first round, I sure as heck would like to have a big payoff, at least as a possibility. He's that guy. When you look at the quarterbacks in this draft, he's the one with all that upside."

The dual-threat QB stood out during the week of practices at the Senior Bowl, and might've boosted his draft stock enough to warrant a top-15 or top-20 pick. 

However, if he's still on the board at No. 32, Detroit should strongly consider taking the Liberty product. 

North Carolina's Sam Howell 

Entering the 2021 college football season, the big-armed signal-caller was a Heisman favorite and arguably the consensus No. 1 QB in the 2022 draft class. 

Fast-forward to now, and his stock has fallen because of a somewhat shaky final season at North Carolina. 

In what was his junior campaign with the Tar Heels, the 6-foot-1, 220-pound passer threw for 24 touchdowns, nine interceptions and 3,056 yards. 

At the same time, he put together an impressive season on the ground, rushing for a career-best 828 yards and 11 scores. 

Howell has a chance to show off his arm talent this upcoming week at the combine, and with a good display, he might just work his way back into that top QB status. 

Nathan Ray Seebeck, USA TODAY Sports

Ole Miss' Matt Corral

Don't sleep on the Lane Kiffin-trained QB. 

The 6-foot-2, 205-pounder threw for 20 touchdowns and rushed for another 11 in his final season at Ole Miss. He also threw for 3,349 yards, and amassed 614 yards on the ground. 

He possesses high-end mechanics, and has the ability to be a threat to opposing defenses while tucking and running the ball. 

I'm sure Detroit's front-office brass will get the chance to meet with Corral in Indy.

Cincinnati's Desmond Ridder

Ridder doesn't project to be a top-tier passer at the next level, but he still possesses the necessary tools to be a quality NFL signal-caller. 

As The Pro Football Network's Cam Mellor writes,

"Desmond Ridder is among the fastest players whenever he takes the field. He’ll run by defenders on the ground and navigate the pocket amongst the best in this class. Ridder also has terrific arm strength and keeps his receivers open with great eye movement. Where Ridder has a minor lapse, however, is concerning. 

The down-to-down accuracy for Ridder lacks at times. The inconsistent nature in which he’ll miss separating receivers has led to some squeakers for Cincinnati in 2021, despite their 13-0 record. Ridder’s inaccuracy may be concerning, but he possesses all the other tools necessary to be a quality NFL quarterback." 

If the Lions were to acquire an additional second-round pick and were to take the Cincinnati product with the selection, it wouldn't be all that bad for a Detroit team that is in need of an alternative solution to Jared Goff under center. 

Western Kentucky's Bailey Zappe

Maybe you haven't heard of Zappe yet, but I have a funny feeling you're going to hear his name on Sundays one day. 

The Western Kentucky product likely won't be a game-changing talent at the next level, due to a limited ceiling and mediocre size (6-foot-1, 220 pounds) and athleticism.   

However, his knack for being accurate and for having a strong understanding of the offense he's leading provide him with a legit chance to be an NFL franchise's starter in 2023. 

And who knows, maybe it'll be for the Lions.