Quarterback Lions Could Target in Each Round of 2023 NFL Draft

The Detroit Lions are likely going to add a quarterback to their roster from the draft.

Jared Goff is set to enter the 2023 season entrenched as the Detroit Lions’ starting quarterback. His play over the second half of the 2022 season, which the Lions finished 9-8, left no doubts about his status.

Detroit general manager Brad Holmes has pledged to address the team’s backup position, though, as he wants to provide the Lions with some stability behind Goff. The Lions re-signed Nate Sudfeld, but could still select a quarterback in the 2023 NFL Draft.

As always, the draft’s quarterback class has been, and will continue to be highly scrutinized. There are four signal-callers believed to be top-10 picks, while there’s also a crop of exciting late-round picks.

Here are the quarterbacks that the Lions could select in each round of the 2023 NFL Draft. 

Round 1: Anthony Richardson, Florida

Richardson has the most tantalizing potential of the four top signal-callers in this year’s draft. Though he doesn’t have the proven production of Bryce Young and C.J. Stroud, the consensus opinion is that his potential is the highest of any in the crop.

With his mix of mobility and arm strength, the Florida product has the chance to take whichever team he lands with to a whole new level. The only thing currently holding him back is the fact that he struggled as a passer with the Gators.

In 12 starts last season, he completed just 53 percent of his passes for 2,549 yards, 17 touchdowns and nine interceptions. His lack of polish as a passer has kept him from becoming the draft’s top quarterback prospect, but teams are banking on him continuing to develop.

If Richardson puts it all together, he will be a dynamic talent. The Lions should do their due diligence, because he could be waiting for them at sixth overall.

Round 2: Hendon Hooker, Tennessee

Different fortunes on Nov. 19 could’ve changed the narrative surrounding Hooker. For one, the Volunteers saw their national championship hopes derailed by a blowout loss to South Carolina. On that same night, Hooker suffered a torn ACL that ended his season.

Had that night gone differently, he could’ve helped lead Tennessee to a College Football Playoff appearance. He had an incredible year behind center for the Volunteers, tossing 27 touchdowns against just two interceptions.

He has plenty of arm talent, but doesn’t have the refined skill set or the booming potential of the draft’s first tier of quarterback prospects. He’s among the older prospects, is already 25 years old and isn’t as mobile as the likes of Richardson and Young.

Still, the prospect has plenty of talent. His production at Tennessee should excite evaluators. If placed into the right system, he could thrive as an NFL starter.

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Round 3: Tanner McKee, Stanford

Another intriguing Day 2 prospect is McKee, who started for the last two seasons for the Cardinal. He has pro-ready size, standing 6-foot-6, and has intriguing arm talent.

He threw for at least 2,300 yards in each of the years he started under center, even with Stanford employing a run-oriented scheme. Though his numbers are light, he has an NFL arm, with the ability to make all the throws.

Round 4: The Lions currently do not own a fourth-round selection.

Round 5: Jake Haener, Fresno State

Haener has been compared to Brock Purdy, who emerged to lead the San Francisco 49ers to the NFC Championship game as a rookie after being selected last in the 2022 NFL Draft. The two players share similar traits, both on the field and off it as leaders.

The Fresno State product has enjoyed a rise of sorts through the All-Star circuit, as he was the best performer at his position in the Senior Bowl. He doesn’t have any flashy skills, but does plenty of things well.

Of the late-round prospects, Haener might have the best chance of becoming a successful NFL starter. He has arm talent, and engineered big wins for his team while playing in college.

Round 6: Aidan O’Connell, Purdue

The Lions were at O’Connell’s pro day, meeting with him after the workout. In some ways, the connection between the two makes plenty of sense. He played in an Air-Raid scheme at Purdue, putting up excellent numbers.

There isn’t much to speak of when it comes to mobility, but his big arm is exciting for pro scouts. He tossed 65 touchdowns in his college career, and threw for over 9,000 yards. So, there’s plenty of enticing factors to work with in the Purdue product.

Round 7: The Lions currently do not own a seventh-round selection.