Why does a new 2027 mock draft have the Detroit Lions drafting a quarterback in the first round?
The Athletic's draft expert, Dane Brugler, projected next year's draft − a futile exercise, of course, but one that provides a good baseline to understand top prospects to watch − which features a plethora of appetizing quarterbacks, unlike the 2026 draft class.
And, stunningly, Brugler sends one of those signal-callers to the Lions with the No. 23 overall pick: Jayden Maiava, USC. And Brugler didn't explain why, only writing: "Despite losing Makai Lemon and Ja’Kobi Lane, Maiava is in a situation to become a Heisman contender and push for a spot in the first round."
The draft order is based on current Super Bowl odds.
2001, Pick 18: Jeff Backus, offensive tackle, Michigan.2002, Pick 3: Joey Harrington, quarterback, Oregon.
2012, Pick 23: Riley Reiff, offensive tackle, Iowa.
2022, Pick 2: Aidan Hutchinson, defensive end, Michigan.
2022, Pick 12: Jameson Williams, receiver, Alabama.
2025, Pick 28: Tyleik Williams, defensive tackle, Ohio State.
2026, Pick 17: Blake Miller, offensive tackle, Clemson.
1 / 20Every Detroit Lions first round NFL draft pick since 20002001, Pick 18: Jeff Backus, offensive tackle, Michigan.1 / 20Every Detroit Lions first round NFL draft pick since 20002001, Pick 18: Jeff Backus, offensive tackle, Michigan.2 / 20Every Detroit Lions first round NFL draft pick since 20002002, Pick 3: Joey Harrington, quarterback, Oregon.
2012, Pick 23: Riley Reiff, offensive tackle, Iowa.
2022, Pick 2: Aidan Hutchinson, defensive end, Michigan.
2022, Pick 12: Jameson Williams, receiver, Alabama.
2025, Pick 28: Tyleik Williams, defensive tackle, Ohio State.
2026, Pick 17: Blake Miller, offensive tackle, Clemson.
Jared Goff, 31, enters his sixth season as the Lions quarterback and has been one of the NFL's elite producers over the past four seasons.
Goff will have two years remaining on his deal after the 2026 season.
Goff had his contract restructured in March to create $32 million in cap space for 2026. He now has cap hits of $62.6 million in 2027, $69.6 million in 2028, his final season, and $16 million in dead money to account for in 2029, when his contract expires.
Maiava, a first-time starter in 2025, threw for 24 touchdowns and 10 interceptions for the Trojans, who went 9-3 in the regular season, fourth in the Big Ten, and lost to TCU in overtime in the Alamo Bowl.