Late-Round QB Dart Throws the Detroit Lions Should Target in 2026

(Jerome Miron-Imagn Images)

The Detroit Lions are not in the market for a quarterback overhaul—and they shouldn’t be. Jared Goff has firmly established himself as the leader of Detroit’s offense, operating efficiently and thriving within the system. Still, the NFL is a business built on constant evaluation and forward-thinking decisions. With the league continuing to trend toward mobile, playmaking quarterbacks, taking a late-round “dart throw” on a developmental prospect makes plenty of sense. In the 2026 NFL Draft, three intriguing options stand out: Jalon Daniels, Taylen Green, and Diego Pavia.

Daniels, out of Kansas Jayhawks football, brings an exciting dual-threat element that aligns with where the modern NFL is headed. When healthy, he’s electric. Daniels excels at extending plays, using his quickness and instincts to escape pressure and create outside of structure. He’s comfortable throwing on the move and has shown flashes of high-level decision-making in run-pass option concepts. For Detroit, Daniels would offer a change-of-pace skill set behind Goff—something the offense currently lacks.

The concern, of course, is durability. Injuries have been a recurring issue throughout Daniels’ college career, limiting his ability to build consistency and refine his mechanics. That likely caps his draft stock, but it also makes him an ideal late-round flier. In Detroit, he wouldn’t be rushed into action. Instead, he could develop behind an established starter while adding value in specific packages that take advantage of his mobility.

Green, now at Arkansas Razorbacks football, may have the highest physical upside of the group. At his size, combined with his athleticism, he fits the mold of the modern developmental quarterback. Green is a long-strider with legitimate speed, capable of turning designed runs into explosive plays. His arm talent is equally intriguing, as he can push the ball downfield with ease and challenge defenses vertically.

However, Green remains a raw prospect. His accuracy can be inconsistent, and his decision-making is still developing. There are moments where his mechanics break down under pressure, leading to missed opportunities. But that’s exactly why he’s a “dart throw.” If Detroit’s coaching staff can harness his tools and improve his processing, Green has the potential to become a high-upside backup with starting traits. In an era where quarterbacks who can threaten defenses with both their arm and legs are becoming the norm, Green is a worthwhile investment late in the draft.

Then there’s Pavia, from Vanderbilt Commodores football, who might be the most intriguing of the trio despite lacking prototypical size. Pavia plays with a noticeable edge—there’s a swagger and competitiveness to his game that stands out immediately. He’s fearless in the pocket and doesn’t shy away from taking hits to make plays. While undersized, he compensates with toughness, mobility, and an ability to improvise when plays break down.

We’ve seen smaller quarterbacks succeed in today’s NFL, and while Pavia isn’t a polished passer yet, his intangibles make him an interesting developmental option. He processes quickly, shows leadership qualities, and brings a level of confidence that teammates tend to rally around. For a team like Detroit, adding a player with that kind of mentality to the quarterback room could have long-term value beyond just on-field production.

Ultimately, the Lions don’t need to force a quarterback pick—but taking a calculated swing on one late in the draft is simply smart roster management. Daniels offers explosiveness, Green brings raw upside, and Pavia delivers grit and swagger. In a league evolving toward mobility and creativity at the position, any one of these prospects could quietly become a valuable piece of Detroit’s future.