Late-Round QB Dart Throws the Detroit Lions Should Target in 2026
The Detroit Lions don’t need a new QB—but smart teams plan ahead. As the NFL shifts toward mobile playmakers, late-round dart throws like Jalon Daniels, Taylen Green, and Diego Pavia could shape Detroit’s future.
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.