The Lions passed on Tua Tagovailoa Thursday night, as expected. But could they splurge on a quarterback on Day 2 of the draft?
Jalen Hurts might be a name to watch as the second and third rounds unfold Friday night.
According to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, Lions GM Bob Quinn had a "private meeting" with Hurts on his pro day. Detroit also did its work on the 2019 Heisman Trophy runner-up at the Senior Bowl.
Opinions vary on Hurts, an explosive paymaker whose passing skills leave something to be desired.
"The grades are all over the board," says Pelissero. "Some executives don't think you take him until the fourth (round), other coaches are higher on him because they have a vision of what you can do with his skillset in a particular type of offense.
"One team that might be worth keeping an eye on, the Detroit Lions. They've got the No. 35 pick, plus two picks in the third round. I'm told that general manager Bob Quinn had a private meeting with Hurts around his pro day, in addition to the time that they spent with him at the Senior Bowl."
Quarterbacks to watch on the draft's second day include Washington's Jacob Eason and Oklahoma's Jalen Hurts, who I'm told met privately with #Lions GM Bob Quinn last month. Detroit sits at No. 35 and has two picks in Round 3. pic.twitter.com/eXYcslIMG5
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) April 24, 2020For what it's worth, Lions offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell built around a mobile quarterback in Russell Wilson for several years in Seattle. Not that Detroit is thinking about replacing Matthew Stafford with Hurts and overhauling its offense in 2020.
Which brings us to the necessary caveats.
The Lions are committed to Stafford, they already signed backup Chase Daniel to a three-year deal this offseason, and quarterback is the least of their worries entering the 2020 season. Oh, and Quinn and Matt Patricia are looking for players who can help them win right away.
So, as usual, take these murmurs with a grain of salt.
