It remains an unlikely scenario, but it appears the Lions might be considering a quarterback with the third overall pick in the draft.
After bringing in Tua Tagovailoa for a virtual visit last week, the club reportedly did the same with Oregon QB Justin Herbert.
"Quarterbacks, multiple quarterbacks," said Mike Garafolo of NFL Network. "The Lions now conducting multiple teleconference interviews in the last couple days, last couple weeks here, as they prepare for the draft at No. 3."
The question is whether the Lions' interest is legitimate -- or just a ruse to drive up the trade value of the No. 3 pick. It's probably the latter.
"But there's also been that chatter that at some point they have to move on from Matthew Stafford. Could this be part of that process? I find it extremely intriguing as we get closer to the draft," said Garafolo.
Drafting a quarterback at No. 3 wouldn't mean trading Stafford right away. Whether it's Tua, Herbert or someone else entirely, the Lions would likely have him spend the 2020 season under Stafford's wing and then try to move Stafford next offseason.
ESPN's Riddick: The People Around Stafford Have Failed Detroit
Herbert, widely considered one of the top three quarterbacks in the draft, boosted his already-high draft stock with a strong senior season at Oregon. He completed 66.8 percent of his passes for 3,471 yards, 32 touchdowns and six picks.
And as Ian Rapoport points out, the Lions got a good look at Herbert at the Senior Bowl.
"The Lions saw Justin Herbert very much up close and personal. They were able to get a good evaluation on him based on what they saw in practice on different days," said Rapoport. "This is definitely one to keep an eye on, I've heard they like Herbert as well.
"Stafford isn't going anywhere this year, but he is up in his 30's, missed half the season last year. Potentially they could be a team to take a quarterback if they fall in love with the right one."
Still, the most likely scenario for the Lions is trading back (if they can find a partner in the Dolphins or the Chargers) and drafting a defensive player such as CB Jeffrey Okudah, LB Isaiah Simmons or DT Derrick Brown.
"Quarterbacks. Multiple quarterbacks."@Rapsheet and @MikeGarafolo on the @Lions interviewing QB prospects -- pic.twitter.com/HvQTdK89ff
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) April 13, 2020
