Like any quarterback with first-round talent, Anthony Richardson is a popular player at this week's draft combine. He's already met with several teams in Indianapolis, the Lions reportedly among them. Detroit remains committed to Jared Goff in 2023, but could take a swing on his potential successor with two picks in the first round, including No. 6 overall.
Dan Campbell certainly didn't rule it out in an interview Wednesday with CBS Sports, while praising Goff's leadership and growth since arriving in Detroit.
"What he’s done and what we were hopeful for and thought we were going to get is a guy who, man, he’s our guy. He’s bought us time here," said Campbell. "We believe we can win with Jared Goff. In the meantime, we also know he’s not going to be here for the next 10 years. It’s not like Jared Goff’s a rookie. So certainly our eyes are on potentially a quarterback. The question is, where do you acquire that at?
"And that’s something that Brad (Holmes) and I kick around all the time, but we don’t feel like we’re pressed right now. We don’t feel like we’re pressed. But that doesn’t mean our eyes aren’t on a quarterback."
Goff, who turns 29 in October, is coming off a Pro Bowl season in which he played like one of the best quarterbacks in the NFC. But he'll never have a ceiling like Richardson, who has superstar potential with his arm strength and foot speed. Detroit would be crazy to not consider drafting a player like that. The organization is obligated to at least do its homework.
Holmes took a more conservative stance Wednesday when asked about the Lions' outlook at quarterback -- and whether they might draft one in the first round. He reiterated their commitment to Goff and said they want to upgrade his backup after veteran Nate Sudfeld filled that role last season. Holmes did say the Lions have to "get somebody to continue to develop," which opens the door to a raw, young talent who might benefit from spending time under the wing of a veteran.
And the 21-year-old Richardson might be the rawest talent in the draft.
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