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Could Jared Goff be the Detroit Lions’ quarterback for the 2021-22 season, or will the NFL Draft become a prominent discussion about the team’s future?
The Lions are predicted by numerous sportsbooks to rank among the NFL’s weakest teams next season, potentially giving Detroit the opportunity to secure one of the top quarterbacks in the 2022 draft held in Las Vegas.
Could the Lions be eyeing a quarterback in the upcoming NFL Draft? And if they are, who might they have their sights set on?
Detroit Lions given little hope in 2021
It comes as no shock that the Detroit Lions are not being held to high expectations for the upcoming season.
Detroit experienced significant changes in its roster and has now assembled an entirely fresh coaching staff and management team.
In the 2021 NFL Draft, the Lions prioritized enhancing the depth of their offensive and defensive lines. Nevertheless, this strategy raises several uncertainties regarding the skill positions.
Here’s the expectation from the oddsmakers regarding Detroit’s results for the upcoming season.
- The win total offered by DraftKings Sportsbook is set at 5.
- According to the WilliamHill Sportsbook, the team with the poorest record in the NFL for the 2021-22 season is listed at +350.
- According to PointsBet Sportsbook, the odds of the Lions going 0-17 are +2800.
- In the first week, the odds (according to FanDuel Sportsbook) for the Lions vs. San Francisco game are Lions +7.5.
- In Week 2, the odds on FanDuel for the Lions are +7 when they play against Green Bay.
Looking toward 2022 QB options
Last month’s NFL Draft saw Detroit choosing not to pick a quarterback. Due to his contract situation, which could lead to a $15 million dead-money hit on the salary cap, it is highly probable that Jared Goff will remain with the Lions for a minimum of two seasons.
Despite Goff taking on the role of the starter this season, Detroit might consider selecting a rookie in the next draft, given the likelihood of obtaining a high pick and having the L.A. Rams’ first-round pick at their disposal.
There is a high probability of significant changes occurring before the 2022 NFL Draft on April 28th. Nonetheless, we have compiled a list of the top quarterback prospects who are consistently being discussed for next year’s draft.
- Spencer Rattler, Oklahoma
- Sam Howell, North Carolina
- Kedon Slovis, USC
- Desmond Ridder, Cincinnati
- Malik Willis, Liberty
- J.T. Daniels, Georgia
Spencer Rattler favored to be top pick
Out of the group mentioned, Rattler is currently emerging as the top choice to be selected as next year’s No. 1 pick.
BetMGM Sportsbook’s oddsmakers have Rattler listed as the frontrunner with odds of +250 to be the top pick. Following closely is Howell with odds of +350, whereas Slovis lags behind in a distant third place with odds of +900.
Rattler hails from the Oklahoma football program, known for producing the top overall picks in the NFL Draft for consecutive years in 2018 (Baker Mayfield) and 2019 (Kyler Murray). Both Mayfield and Murray have established themselves as valuable assets to their respective teams, solidifying their positions as franchise quarterbacks for the foreseeable future.
In his first year as the Sooners’ quarterback, the Rattler, standing at 6-foot-1, delivered an impressive performance. He recorded 3,031 passing yards and threw 28 touchdowns while only committing seven interceptions. Additionally, he showcased his agility by rushing for 160 yards and scoring six touchdowns across 11 games.
Rattler is the frontrunner for the Heisman Trophy, expected to continue the success of Mayfield and Murray by winning the prestigious award. According to FoxBet Sportsbook, Rattler is listed as the favorite with odds of +425 to win the honor in the upcoming autumn.
Sam Howell with a lot of experience at UNC
Entering his third season as the starting quarterback for the Tar Heels, the talented 6-1 signal-caller from North Carolina is set to continue leading the team.
In his initial two years at UNC, Howell has displayed remarkable productivity. As a freshman in 2019, he recorded an impressive 3,641 passing yards and 38 touchdowns, while only surrendering seven interceptions.
In 2020, Howell showcased his skills by amassing an impressive total of 3,586 yards, throwing 30 touchdowns and only seven interceptions. Additionally, he made notable contributions to his team’s running game, accumulating 146 yards and scoring five touchdowns. It is worth mentioning that Howell displayed great accuracy, completing an impressive 68% of his passes.
FoxBet lists Howell at +1200 to win in the Heisman race.
Kedon Slovis productive in the pocket
Most people agree that Slovis is one of the top prospects for next year’s draft, with the majority predicting that he will be a first-round pick.
USC’s 6-2 quarterback participated in only six games during the previous fall season. However, he managed to achieve impressive stats, throwing for 1,921 yards, 17 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. Notably, he maintained a completion rate of 67% on his passes.
In 2019, Slovis, a freshman, recorded a total of 3,502 passing yards and threw 30 touchdowns, while also having nine interceptions.
Slovis, being a pocket passer, lacks the ability to be a running threat, which is worth noting considering the rising appeal of dual-threat quarterbacks among NFL starters.
Slovis has odds of +1800 to secure the Heisman Trophy in the upcoming season.
