2020 NFL Draft: 5 best team fits for Oregon QB Justin Herbert
By Ian Higgins
Detroit Lions
Matthew Stafford is not the solution. With no significant team success since his acquisition, Detroit needs to move on from the former prodigy. Similarly to his new predecessor, Justin Herbert has the arm talent to capitalize on a team with weapons like Marvin Jones and Kenny Golladay already present.
Detroit also has defensive pieces such as Darius Slay and Trey Flowers to help on the other side of the ball, led by former Patriots coordinator Matt Patricia. Detroit could open significant cap room by moving on from Stafford, and compete by building from the cheap-quarterback model similar to the 2018 NFC champion Los Angeles Rams.
Running back Kerryon Johnson has also revived the run game at Ford Field, providing relief for Stafford when defenses continued to key-in on the passing game. With this additional cap space, investments in the offensive line and an additional running back would serve well.
When Detroit drafts Herbert, Stafford would still remain as the starter for the 2020 season barring injury or poor play, and leave with his opt-out in the summer of 2021. A new offensive system similar to the 2018 Rams would be implemented, built around the run game with complementing play-action to stretch the field and let Herbert cut it loose.