Detroit Lions: 5 Quarterbacks who could replace Matthew Stafford

Detroit Lions QB target No. 3: Trey Lance

Unless they end up making a trade with either the Jacksonville Jaguars or New York Jets — both of which seem relatively unlikely at this point — involving Stafford and the top two picks in the 2021 NFL Draft, the Lions aren’t going to be in a position to select either Trevor Lawrence or Justin Fields in April.

While that may leave them out of the mix for the top two quarterback prospects in the upcoming draft, this is not a two-man draft at the position. The Lions, sitting with the seventh-overall pick, could have their pick of the rest of the group, especially if the Falcons at No. 4 find alternative plans to drafting a quarterback at that spot.

Therefore, there’s a good chance that North Dakota State product Trey Lance could be available when the Lions go on the clock in the first round and Detroit would have to consider that. As a redshirt freshman for the Bison, Lance wowed as he won player of the year honors in FCS while leading his team to a National Championship and throwing 28 touchdowns to no interceptions while also rushing for 14 scores.

Lance is far from a finished product as he does need to work on his accuracy to all levels of the field. Having said that, his arm talent and athleticism are obvious trump cards in addition to well-developed decision-making and football IQ for a player his age.

It’s possible the Lions would prefer to sign a veteran of the Andy Dalton ilk for a year to let Lance develop and adjust to the NFL but the longterm upside of Lance is a fascinating option for the franchise.