Detroit Lions: Bob Quinn may get quick dividends from ‘good business’

Backup quarterback Jake Rudock has taken a big step in the Detroit Lions offense and other teams are reportedly taking notice and showing interest.

Before completing his first draft as general manager of the Detroit Lions, Bob Quinn commented that it was “good business” to draft a quarterback at least every other year. He then went on to select Jake Rudock in the sixth round as part of his first draft class. In doing so, Rudock became the first quarterback drafted by the Lions since they took Matthew Stafford with the first overall pick in 2009.

“Good business” comes in many forms, but with just one quarterback playing at a time and a general shortage of good quarterbacks league-wide, having a surplus of good quarterbacks can lead to acquiring major assets in a trade.

Now in his second NFL season, Jake Rudock has looked much more in command of the Lions offense. He has regularly had the second team offense on the move through three preseason games, avoiding big mistakes with ill-advised throws and making plays with his legs when a play isn’t there through the air. According to a report from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, other teams have taken notice.

As Rapoport notes, there were attempts to poach Rudock from the Lions practice squad last season. Most notably, the Chicago Bears were set to add Rudock to their roster until the Lions made the move to elevate him from their practice squad to the active 53-man roster.

Would Bob Quinn look to cash in his chips already? On one hand, it would be hard to fault him if there was a tempting offer on the table. The investment in Rudock has been minimal at this point and as with any backup quarterback, the hope is that he never sees the field in a regular season game anyway.

However, Rudock is clearly well ahead of Brad Kaaya and trading him would leave the Lions very thing behind Matthew Stafford. Not wanting to see a backup in a game doesn’t mean it’s OK to not have a competent backup in the fold who can step in if necessary.

Next: 30 Best Draft Picks in Detroit Lions History

With just one preseason game remaining, Stafford’s preseason very well may be over and Rudock may also be in for a light workload. Don’t be surprised if the bulk of the preseason finale against the Buffalo Bills goes to Kaaya as he makes his last impression on the Lions’ coaching staff and front office. That could go a long way to determining his future, and perhaps even Rudock’s as well.