ESPN: The Detroit Lions sign talented QB as a replacement for Jared Goff in 2025 NFL mock draft.
With a difficult playoff exit, the Detroit Lions’ 2024 season officially ended, falling short of their ultimate objective of winning the Super Bowl. In order to continue building on their great trajectory, the Lions are now preparing for the 2025 NFL Draft as they turn their attention to the summer. Since many have conjectured about the Lions’ long-term plans at quarterback, this is one position that might see change.
Could Jared Goff’s Future Replacement Be Drafted by the Lions?
I choose to use the Pro Football Network Draft Simulator to do a quick mock draft simulation in anticipation of the NFL Draft. As you can see below, I have the Lions selecting quarterback Daxton Dart out of Ole Miss with their second-round pick, which would be an extremely intriguing choice.
Despite the fact that Jared Goff will undoubtedly be the Lions’ starting quarterback for the duration of the season, there is increasing conjecture that Detroit could try to choose his eventual replacement. The franchise may not be entirely convinced that Hooker will be their quarterback in the future, as seen by their recent choice to select Teddy Bridgewater as the No. 2 quarterback over Hooker in their playoff game against the Washington Commanders.
If the Lions don’t view Hooker as the answer and feel the need to develop a new QB of the future, Dart could be the perfect fit. Dart, who will be 25 years old by the 2028 season, possesses remarkable numbers from his time at Ole Miss, including a 69.3% completion percentage, 4,279 throwing yards, 29 touchdowns, and only six interceptions in the 2024 season. But what truly sets Dart apart is his dual-threat abilities; he also picked up 495 running yards and three scores on 124 carries.
A Future Star in the Making
Jaxson Dart will require some time to hone his skills and adapt to the NFL level, despite his excellent playmaking abilities. His growth will be largely dependent on his capacity to read defenses after the fact. Dart has the athletic skills to compete at the next level, though, provided he can improve his decision-making and prepare his head for the game.
Dart would be a sign of the Lions’ dedication to the future, as Goff would probably remain in charge until the 2027 campaign. However, it might be a step to secure the Lions’ quarterback position for years to come if Dart is brought in to eventually take over.
Watch out for Daxton Dart when the Lions enter the 2025 NFL Draft. Dart may be the quarterback Detroit bases its future plans on if the team’s assessment of Hooker doesn’t inspire sustained confidence.