As many as four quarterbacks could hear their names called within the top 10 picks in the 2023 draft, leaving many questions to be answered for teams in position to land a top signal-caller. The Lions hold the sixth selection, which could allow them to make an addition at the position.
That seems unlikely, given the presence of incumbent Jared Goff and the team’s needs at other areas, though. When speaking about the matter of quarterback evaluations, head coach Dan Campbell confirmed his approval of Goff, while leaving the door open to a rookie passer being added at some point.
“What we were hopeful and thought we were going to get [in Goff] is a guy who, man, he’s our guy,” Campbell said (video link via CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones). “He’s bought us time here. We believe we can win with Jared Goff. In the meantime, we also know he’s not going to be here for the next 10 years… It’s not like Jared Goff’s a rookie, so certainly our eyes are on, potentially a quarterback. And the question is, where do you acquire that at? And that’s something that [GM] Brad [Holmes] and I kick around all the time… We don’t feel like we’re pressed. But that doesn’t mean our eyes aren’t on a quarterback.”
Goff is under contract for two more years, but the Lions could move on from him after the 2023 season given the nature of his contract. The team has the 18th and 48th selections this year; the latter could be used on Tennessee product Hendon Hooker, who has a visit lined up with Detroit. How that process goes could determine the team’s willingness to use a high pick on a potential Goff successor.
Here are some other draft-related items from the NFC:
- The Bears have, as expected, been active so far in free agency. Their spending to date has not, however, yielded an addition at offensive tackle. General manager Ryan Poles said (via The Athletic’s Kevin Fishbain) Chicago will “keep an eye” on the remaining veteran options, a group which was thinned out considerably during the opening days of the new league year. Poles confirmed that the next move will likely come at the draft, where they hold pick No. 9. That spot could land them Northwestern’s Peter Skoronski or Ohio State alum Paris Johnson Jr., as they also look to find the best long-term position for 2022 fifth-rounder Braxton Jones. The latter played full-time on the blindside as a rookie, but could move to right tackle depending on how the first round plays out.
- The offensive front is considered a strength for the Falcons, especially with right guard Chris Lindstrom in place on the largest contract in league history signed by an interior lineman. That has led many to expect Atlanta to look at other positions with the eighth overall pick, but NFL Network’s James Palmer notes the team is looking into o-line options with their top selection (video link). In particular, the Falcons could be eyeing Skoronski or Johnson on the inside to start their career, with the potential to take over from Jake Matthews at left tackle. The latter, 31, is on the books through 2026 but only has guaranteed money on his deal for two more seasons. A defensive addition would come as no surprise on Atlanta’s part, but they will have at least done their homework on the top lineman prospects.
“It’s not like Jared Goff’s a rookie, so certainly our eyes are on, potentially a quarterback. And the question is, where do you acquire that at?”
Goff is only 28, which kinda makes that an odd way to answer that question, at least to me. That’s young for a QB.
I know we’ve been spoiled with Brady and some modern passers defying expectations, but the average playing career length for QB in the National Football League is still just 4.4 years. Most players are out of the league by age 27, so they are smart to be thinking about the statistical realities.
Oh yeah, no expectations here that Goff will be in the league at 45. As much as I dislike him, Brady is a first ballot hall of famer, and an outlier.
Quarterback is different from many positions, though. Any capable QB can generally play until 35, excluding the ones that are very run-first. That average has to be pulled down by all the draft busts.
What’s funny if they drafted hooker, he will be 26 just two years younger than Goff. By the draft or the season hooker will be 26.
That Bears bullet is a lot for saying “the Bears have not invested in tackle and might draft one.” Hard hitting stuff.
Bears drafting Broderick Jones, he’s got the demeanor and highest ceiling at OT, then their next 9 picks should be Dlinemen
No way they pick 9 defensive lineman. That makes zero sense
Fire Poles straight away lol
Falcons have added decent D-Line depth through free agency, but they could still upgrade there. I think they would benefit more from Bijan Robinson myself.
I know they have Allgeier back there who was simply perfect for Atlanta’s offense, but they would be wise to get a premium back to split time with him, especially with Patterson possibly being gone after next season.
They could go WR or LB, but it’s a down year for both positions. You can never have too many CB’s and that is a possibility, but I just think with another top RB in the fold this offense will likely chew up even more clock and help the defense indirectly by keeping the opposing offense off the field while also taking a little more pressure off Ridder.
Allgeier ended up with good #s cuz they ran him no matter the situation. Bijan would be awesome, but I still believe Arthur Smith is the ultimate problem…looking like a bunch of approx .500 seasons ahead to me
1. Never take a rb in top 10 in this day and age. Back end of 1st round is debateable, id personally wait till 2nd-4th. No matter how good they are. You can always find decent production in later rounds, which wasn’t Allegier a 5th rounder or something?
2. You can never have enough pass rushers or good corners.
3. Tyree Wilson Jalen Carter Christian Gonzalez Devon Witherspoon.