The Lions could go in a number of directions with their No. 2 overall pick, one the rebuilding team has discussed trading. Detroit is also open to developing a quarterback behind Jared Goff. The team is wrapping up its homework on this subject.
Malik Willis finished up a visit with the team Tuesday, Albert Breer of SI.com tweets. Kenny Pickett is set to meet with Lions brass on Wednesday, the final day for top-30 visits. While it would surprise if the Lions drafted a quarterback, this prospect would make sense for a team that has time to develop one.
GM Brad Holmes said the team remains confident Goff can start next season. With little expected from the upcoming version of the Lions, the concept of Willis or Pickett sitting for at least a year while Goff keeps the reins has almost certainly come up at team headquarters. With this QB class not on the level of those in recent years and behind the 2023 crop (as of now, at least), the Lions would be passing on the kind of instant starter Dan Campbell has said he wants with the No. 2 pick if they went that route.
The Willis and Pickett meetings could also double as a last-ditch attempt to drum up trade interest in the second pick. This draft is short on surefire impact players at the top. A move down would give Detroit more ammo to address its many needs. ESPN ranks Willis as its No. 21 prospect, while NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah slots the Liberty passer 27th. Quarterback reaches occur annually due to the positional value at play, but this would be one of the more notable climbs for a passing prospect.
Should the Lions go with a “best player available” strategy at No. 2, they still hold the Nos. 32 and 34 overall picks. That window would give the team another crack at quarterback, though Willis and Pickett should be considered unlikely to be available by then. Matt Corral, Desmond Ridder and Sam Howell very well could remain on the board here, however.
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