Tua Tagovailoa | QB | Alabama
This scenario would only take place if the Lions decide to trade Matthew Stafford, which although appears to be unlikely, has recently been rumored to be a possibility. There are more likely scenarios than this one, but if they do get rid of their starting quarterback, then they would instantly be in the perfect spot to grab one.
Assuming Joe Burrow goes first overall and Washington takes Chase Young, the Lions would almost certainly take Tua Tagovailoa with their selection. Even with his dislocated hip, he is a safe bet to be the second quarterback taken off the board in this year’s draft class. He is a very accurate passer who anticipates extremely well and carries a live arm, as well as some solid athletic ability. He is also an intelligent quarterback who rarely makes poor decisions and is able to move defenses with his eyes.
Tagovailoa’s collegiate resume is one of the more impressive of the decade. A two-year starter who made a name for himself by replacing Jalen Hurts in the national championship and beating Clemson in 2017, Tua has as many championship appearances as he does total losses in his career: two. With 7,442 career passing yards and 87 touchdowns to just 11 interceptions in an elite football conference like the SEC, he has proven himself to be a dynamic competitor on a big stage.
Granted, this scenario probably won’t come to fruition, as it remains tough to envision the Lions trading Stafford this season. If it were to happen, though, Tagovailoa would likely be the pick at No. 3. Even with his injury concerns, he would be the best quarterback available at that spot.