2022 NFL Mock Draft: Jets Defense Rebuilt In 3-Round Projection

23. Detroit Lions (via Los Angeles Rams): Carson Strong, Quarterback, Nevada

The Detroit Lions received a package including Jared Goff and the Los Angeles Rams’ first-round picks over the next two seasons in the trade that sent Matthew Stafford to Los Angeles. Even though the Lions’ defense is a mess they may want to address their offense with their second first-round pick as well and wait for the second round to take a defensive player.

Over the last few weeks, it has become clear that Detroit does not view Jared Goff as the long-term answer at quarterback. He has been extremely disappointing this season. His performance isn’t entirely his fault considering he has limited receivers to work with and little support from his defense. But the expectations for a former Pro Bowler and first overall pick were higher than how he’s performing.

There isn’t a lot of pressure for Detroit to take a quarterback in this class considering the class is weaker than previous seasons. However if a quarterback prospect like Nevada quarterback Carson Strong falls to Detroit’s second first-round pick they could be interested in taking him in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft.

Strong has played extremely well this season and could have the strongest arm out of anyone in this entire class. He may have to sit behind Jared Goff for half or the entirety of the 2022-23 season before being named the starter. But Strong has all the tools to be an NFL starting quarterback at the next level. His skill set is much different from Goff’s and could open up Detroit’s offense down the field.

Adding Strong to this roster and having D’Andre Swift in the backfield would open up a lot of play-action passes down the field. If Detroit could find their quarterback of the future late in the first round that would be outstanding for them because then they could use their first-round picks next year to continue to build this roster.