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Detroit Lions: Ranking the 2017 draft class by rookie-year impact

By Zac Snyder

Oct 16, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions head coach Jim Caldwell shakes hands with offensive guard Joe Dahl (66) before the game against the Los Angeles Rams at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 16, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions head coach Jim Caldwell shakes hands with offensive guard Joe Dahl (66) before the game against the Los Angeles Rams at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 28, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes quarterback Brad Kaaya (15) attempts a pass against the West Virginia Mountaineers during the first half at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes quarterback Brad Kaaya (15) attempts a pass against the West Virginia Mountaineers during the first half at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

9. Brad Kaaya

If you thought this would just be a list in order based on draft position rank, think again. Brad Kaaya wasn’t the Lions’ final pick in the 2017 NFL Draft but he’s my pick to have the lowest impact of the team’s draft class this season.

The main reason is simply his position. As with any backup quarterback, the Lions hope to not see Kaaya on the field next season and well, it’s hard to have an impact when you’re not actually playing.

Best-case scenario: Clearly wins a roster spot by proving to be a better option than Jake Rudock to be the primary backup behind Matthew Stafford.

Worst-case scenario: Not only doesn’t beat out Rudock but also doesn’t show enough to warrant being carried on the 53-man roster heading into the regular season.

Kaaya’s ultimate value to the Lions may never be on the field at all. As yet another offseason showed us, quarterbacks are valuable commodities and teams that have them in surplus are well positioned in the trade market.

Next: Number 8

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