One QB Lions Could Select in Every Round of NFL Draft

Evaluating potential quarterback fits for the Lions in 2024 NFL Draft.

Jan 30, 2024; Mobile, AL, USA; National quarterback Michael Penix Jr. of Washington (9) throws the ball at the Senior Bowl. / Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports

The Detroit Lions are expected to move forward with Jared Goff as the quarterback of the future.

Though he's due for an extension ahead of the final year of his contract, Goff has shown remarkable growth over the last two seasons and developed into a leader that is beloved by the city of Detroit.

Still, the team will need to add depth behind him. Currently, Hendon Hooker and Nate Sudfeld are the only other two options on roster to be his backup.

Here is one quarterback the Lions could select in every round of the 2024 NFL Draft.

Round 1

Bo Nix, Oregon

This year's Draft could see four quarterbacks go within the first four picks. Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye and J.J. McCarthy have received plenty of buzz about them going early in the Draft.

With the Lions not picking until 29th overall, the top quarterback that might be left on their board is Bo Nix. The Oregon product had a strong two seasons with the Ducks after transferring from Oregon. He's an efficient passer who can distribute the ball in an efficient matter to his teammates.

Quarterback is very low on the Lions' list of priorities, but if they elect to pull off a stunner, Nix will likely be the top option available.

Oregon Ducks quarterback Bo Nix (10) runs for a first down. / Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY

Round 2

Michael Penix Jr., Washington

Penix had a huge final season for the Huskies, leading them to a national championship appearance and an undefeated regular season. He proved to be perfect for Washington's offensive system, as he displayed an excellent ability to push the ball downfield to the Huskies' plethora of receivers.

The big concern with Penix is his durability, as each of his first four seasons ended due to injury. Still, he was able to put together two full seasons while at Washington, which helps to dispel that narrative.

Penix has big-play potential in his arm, and could be excellent competition for Hendon Hooker if the Lions feel the need to go in this direction.

Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. looks to pass against Michigan during the first half of the national championship game. / Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK

Round 3

Spencer Rattler, South Carolina

Rattler is among the more intriguing prospects in this year's Draft. After a redshirt freshman campaign at Oklahoma in which the Sooners won the Big 12, he was seemingly set up to go as the top pick in the Draft after one last collegiate season.

However, the following year he was benched for Caleb Williams. He transferred to South Carolina, where he has seemingly revitalized his NFL chances over the last two seasons. Now, he's in the Draft and could be a Day Two selection.

Rattler has plenty of intangibles as well as the arm talent to succeed at the professional level. While likely not able to start right away, he's still just 23 with room to grow. As a result, he'd be a good match with the Lions where he could learn behind Jared Goff.

Nov 25, 2023; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback Spencer Rattler. / Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports

Round 4

The Lions do not currently own a fourth-round selection.

Round 5

Michael Pratt, Tulane

Pratt had four strong seasons with the Green Wave, as he most notably delivered a Cotton Bowl win at the conclusion of the 2022 season over Caleb Williams and USC. With 46 career games under his belt, there's plenty of experience with the young passer.

He finished his college career with 90 touchdown passes and over 9,600 yards passing. He's very fundamentally sound and has good technique that will help bring him along quickly at the NFL level.

However, he lacks in natural arm strength, which limits his ability to move the ball downfield. Still, he has intangibles as a player who had plenty of success in college and would be a nice developmental backup early in his career.

Feb 1, 2024; Mobile, AL, USA; American quarterback Michael Pratt of Tulane (7) throws the ball at the Senior Bowl. / Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports

Round 6

Austin Reed, Western Kentucky

After stops at Southern Illinois and Division II West Florida, Reed found his comfort zone in two seasons with the Hilltoppers. In just the two campaigns, he put up 8,086 passing yards, 71 touchdowns and 22 interceptions.

The Lions don't deploy Western Kentucky's air-raid system, but there are some potential fits to like between their offense and his game. Reed has a live arm and is accurate, making him an easy integration to a system.

However, Reed will need to improve his accuracy when throwing the ball deep. A lot of his success came on intermediate and shorter routes, so getting the ball downfield in an efficient manner is the next step for his development.

Mar 2, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Western Kentucky quarterback Austin Reed (QB11) during the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine. / Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Round 7

Devin Leary, Kentucky

Leary is another intriguing prospect who once had top prospect hype but has since fallen. He's an above average athlete who throws with good zip at the short and intermediate levels.

The veteran played at N.C. State prior to Kentucky and had an excellent 2021 campaign, throwing 35 touchdowns against just five interceptions. However, struggles in 2022 made it tough for him to maintain his level of hype amongst NFL circles.

Still, Leary does have intriguing traits that could make him worthy of a late-round selection. He has shown good decision-making skills and has potential to really grow as a passer if he develops his deep ball accuracy.

Kentucky quarterback Devin Leary (13) passes near Clemson defensive end Justin Mascoll (7). / Ken Ruinard / staff / USA TODAY NETWORK