The Detroit Lions’ 2024 season came to an end with a disappointing playoff loss, falling short of their goal to win the Super Bowl. With the focus now shifting to the offseason, the Lions are preparing for the 2025 NFL Draft, aiming to continue building on their progress. One potential area for change is the quarterback position, as speculation grows about the team’s long-term plans at the position.
Could the Lions Draft Jared Goff’s Successor?
Looking ahead to the NFL Draft, I ran a Mock Draft simulation using the Pro Football Network Draft Simulator and made a bold pick with the Lions’ 2nd Round selection: QB Daxton Dart from Ole Miss. While Jared Goff is firmly the starting quarterback for Detroit at least through the upcoming season, there’s growing speculation that the team may begin searching for his eventual replacement. The recent decision to make Teddy Bridgewater the No. 2 QB over Hendon Hooker in their playoff matchup with the Washington Commanders may indicate the team isn’t fully confident in Hooker as the long-term option.
If the Lions don’t see Hooker as the future and want to develop a new quarterback, Dart could be an ideal choice. Dart, who will be 25 by the 2028 season, posted stellar numbers at Ole Miss, including a 69.3% completion rate, 4,279 passing yards, 29 touchdowns, and only six interceptions in the 2024 season. His dual-threat capabilities also stand out, as he rushed for 495 yards and three touchdowns on 124 attempts.
A Future Star in Development
While Dart has shown great playmaking potential, he’ll need time to adjust to the NFL and refine his skills. His ability to read defenses after the snap will be crucial to his growth. However, if Dart can improve his decision-making and grasp the mental side of the game, there’s no question he has the physical tools to succeed at the professional level.
Selecting Dart would signal the Lions’ investment in their future, with Goff likely remaining as the starter through the 2027 season. However, the move to draft Dart could be Detroit’s way of ensuring a long-term solution at quarterback for years to come.
As the Lions approach the 2025 NFL Draft, Daxton Dart is one name to watch. If the team’s evaluation of Hooker doesn’t inspire long-term confidence, Dart could become the quarterback Detroit builds around for the future.