D’Andre Swift, Detroit Lions (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
The draft is almost here and the long-awaited first-ever selection for the Detroit Lions‘ new regime will soon be revealed.
Before we start to argue about whether the Lions made the right choice or not, I wanted to take a look at their projected starters and see the draft probability for each position.
Quarterback
Projected Starter(s): Jared Goff
Draft probability: Medium
There is a real chance that quarterback Mac Jones might be the best available at pick seven. So, if Detroit wants a premier quarterback in this draft, they would have to trade up. However, there is a consensus that teams are valuing picks in the next two drafts rather than this current one.
At the same time, the Jacksonville Jaguars would be insane to give up the first pick, the New York Jets don’t have a quarterback after trading away Sam Darnold, and the San Fransisco 49ers have already traded up to pick three.
Newly acquired general manager Brad Holmes will most likely have the chance to trade up at pick four with the Atlanta Falcons. Is Jones or quarterback Justice Fields worth the trade-up? Perhaps quarterback Trey Lance is available, who would make more sense given their current timeline with quarterback Jared Goff.
So, it seems unlikely for Detroit to trade up. If the Lions end up with a quarterback, it will be from one of the top four falling to pick seven.
Running Back
Projected Starter(s): D’Andre Swift, Jamaal Williams
Draft probability: Low
Detroit is set at the running back position, they also have halfback Kerryon Johnson as good depth. Maybe they can look at some undrafted free agents for some competition, however, I wouldn’t put money on the Lions selecting a running back in the draft.