Detroit Lions roster prediction: Quarterbacks
By Matt Bosko
The Detroit Lions have added talent through free agency and the NFL Draft. Going position by position, we start with the quarterbacks.
The Detroit Lions added pieces through free agency and through the NFL Draft. It is entirely too early to tell who will make the final 53-man roster. Plenty of transactions are still to come. In this several part series, a prediction will be made for each position group on the roster. First up are the quarterbacks.
On the surface, this seems like an easy prediction. Prior to the NFL Draft, I was of the belief that the signing of Matt Cassel signaled the imminent trade of backup Jake Rudock. The draft passed without any such deal. Rudock’s spot on the roster is secure, if only for the moment.
As it currently stands, and again it must be acknowledged that this is entirely too early, I believe the Lions will carry three quarterbacks. If the team is pressed for depth at other positions, I would not be at all shocked if either Rudock or Cassel find themselves elsewhere.
STARTER (1)
There is no question here. Stafford is the face of the franchise and the unquestioned leader of this team. Writing any more obvious points here is a waste of everyone’s time.
BACKUPS (2)
Jake Rudock, Matt Cassel
It was a bit telling that the Lions did not draft a quarterback in the late rounds of last month’s NFL Draft. While it can be reasoned that greater need existed at other positions, General Manager Bob Quinn believes that it is “good football business” to draft a quarterback every year, and his history reflects as much.
In 2016, Quinn selected Rudock in the sixth round. He used another sixth-round pick on Brad Kaaya the following year. Kaaya left the Lions’ practice squad last season for the Indianapolis Colts. Passing on a quarterback last month suggests that Quinn is comfortable with his current personnel.
Working on the premise that the Lions keep three quarterbacks on the roster, there is value to having both Cassel and Rudock in the same room as Stafford. Cassel is a familiar face to Quinn and head coach Matt Patricia. He signed a one-year deal for the veteran minimum in March. The 35-year-old played for the New England Patriots from 2005-2008. He is an experienced player who can push Rudock for backup duties. He can also help accelerate the young quarterback’s development while giving the Lions a veteran option in the event that Stafford misses any time.
Next: Lions showing three-man fronts in OTAs
The case for Rudock is simple: he is a developmental player on a late-round rookie contract. He showed flashes of potential last preseason, finishing 37-for-56 passing for 380 yards and three touchdowns. Releasing him is not a prudent option.