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Tag: Jalon Daniels

  • 10 Quarterbacks the Detroit Lions Should Consider in the 2026 NFL Draft

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    As things stand right now, the Detroit Lions have only one quarterback under contract for the 2026 season: Jared Goff. And make no mistake, Goff will remain the franchise’s unquestioned starter for the foreseeable future. But behind him, the depth chart is wide open.

    Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell will almost certainly add at least two quarterbacks this offseason. One will likely be a veteran free agent who can step in if needed. The other could very well come from the 2026 NFL Draft, especially on Day 3, where teams often take swings on developmental passers with upside.

    Here are 10 quarterbacks the Lions should strongly consider as potential mid-to-late round options, based on performance, traits, and fit within Detroit’s offensive structure.

    Carson Beck – Miami (FL)

    A former top prospect with prototypical size (6’4”, 220), Beck has shown high-level processing and accuracy in past seasons, including an elite 2023 campaign. While his 2025 production dipped, the tools remain. In a developmental role behind Goff, Beck’s arm talent and experience in pro-style concepts would be intriguing.

    Cade Klubnik – Clemson

    Klubnik is an athletic, quick-release passer who rebounded with a strong 2024 and solid 2025. He’s comfortable working off play-action and on the move, which fits nicely with Detroit’s offensive identity. As a rhythm passer, he could thrive learning behind a timing-based quarterback like Goff.

    Drew Allar – Penn State

    Allar’s raw physical profile is hard to ignore at 6’5”, 235 pounds. While consistency and decision-making have been issues, the upside is still there. In a low-pressure developmental environment, Allar could be molded into a high-ceiling backup with starter traits.

    Jalon Daniels – Kansas

    Daniels brings toughness, mobility, and leadership. He’s not the biggest quarterback, but he’s a proven competitor who has thrived when healthy. His ability to create outside structure could give Detroit a change-of-pace option behind Goff.

    Diego Pavia – Vanderbilt

    One of the most efficient quarterbacks in college football in 2025, Pavia posted elite PFF grades and has a fearless playing style. While undersized, he’s a natural playmaker and could be an ideal high-end backup who can win games if called upon. That said, I don’t believe Pavia would fit the culture Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes have built in the Motor City.

    Luke Altmyer – Illinois

    Altmyer is a steady, experienced Big Ten quarterback who protects the football and operates well from the pocket. He may not have star upside, but he profiles as a reliable No. 2 who fits a system built on timing and play-action.

    Sawyer Robertson – Baylor

    Robertson offers good size and arm strength, though his career has been marked by inconsistency. With proper development and mechanical refinement, he could become a useful long-term project.

    Taylen Green – Arkansas

    At 6’6”, 235 pounds, Green is a physical specimen with dual-threat ability and strong efficiency in 2024–25. His mobility adds a dimension Detroit doesn’t currently have at the position.

    Cole Payton – North Dakota State

    One of the most productive quarterbacks in the nation by advanced metrics, Payton dominated in 2025 and has the size and athleticism NFL teams covet. Coming from a pro-style FCS program, he may be one of the best value picks on Day 3.

    Tommy Castellanos – Florida State

    Castellanos is a dynamic runner with improving passing touch. While shorter than most NFL quarterbacks, his creativity and competitive edge could make him a valuable developmental piece.

    Detroit Lions tight ends coach Tim Kelly

    Why This Makes Sense for Detroit

    With Goff entrenched as the starter, the Lions can afford to think long-term. Drafting a quarterback on Day 3 allows Detroit to:

    • Develop a potential future starter
    • Secure a low-cost backup
    • Add a mobile or high-upside option to the room
    • Protect against injuries without major cap investment

    Brad Holmes has shown he values developmental upside and competition. One of these quarterbacks could be the next project that quietly pays off.

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    Jeff Bilbrey

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  • Jalon Daniels, Kansas try to solve UCF’s pass defense

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    (Photo credit: Evert Nelson/The Capital-Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

    Most coaches will tell their teams something along the lines of, ‘Don’t let one opponent beat you twice,’ meaning the players should learn from the mistakes in a loss but not dwell on them to the point where they aren’t focused on the next opponent.

    Both Kansas and UCF have a chance to put that into effect on Saturday as the Jayhawks travel to Orlando.

    Kansas (3-2, 1-1 Big 12) let a late lead slip away against Cincinnati last week, watching the visiting Bearcats score with 29 seconds left to emerge with a 37-34 victory. What made it worse was that the Jayhawks grabbed the lead with 1:45 left in the fourth quarter.

    ‘Misalignments and missed assignments, really from the outset,’ coach Lance Leipold said Monday about the Jayhawks’ defensive shortcomings against Cincinnati. ‘We need to get better. I think we got tentative and got soft in some areas. We all have to own that, from the head coach on down.

    ‘(UCF coach) Scott Frost has an excellent offensive mind. He’s had some successful offenses at UCF in the past. It will be a huge challenge.’

    The Jayhawks will be trying to build on another outstanding effort from quarterback Jalon Daniels, who went 19 of 28 for 445 yards and four touchdowns vs. the Bearcats.

    Kansas has five receivers with at least 10 catches apiece this season, while running backs Leshon Williams (245 rushing yards) and Daniel Hishaw Jr. (178 rushing yards) are sharing the ground game with Daniels (214 rushing yards).

    ‘We felt we had the potential to be explosive,’ Leipold said, ‘but the thing I’m most pleased with is the amount of guys who have been contributing.’

    UCF (3-1, 0-1) took its first loss of the season on the road last week at Kansas State, falling 34-20.

    ‘We have a lot of room to get better,’ Frost said Monday. ‘And we have to keep doing it, because the games are going to get more challenging.

    ‘We have a team that can play, hopefully, with anyone on our schedule, but we have to execute well. We’ve got to have a good week of practice to make that happen.’

    UCF leads the Big 12 in pass defense (129.8 yards per game allowed) and is ranked in the upper half of the conference in scoring defense and total defense. Kansas is in the bottom half in all major defensive categories.

    Both the Jayhawks and the Knights rate among the top half of the Big 12 in scoring offense, total offense, passing offense and rushing offense.

    –Field Level Media

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  • Duggan leads No. 17 TCU past Kansas 38-31; Daniels injured

    Duggan leads No. 17 TCU past Kansas 38-31; Daniels injured

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    LAWRENCE, Kan. — Max Duggan passed for three touchdowns in the second half, including the game-winning 24-yarder to Quinten Johnston with 1:36 left, and No. 17 TCU beat 19th-ranked Kansas 38-31 on Saturday.

    The Horned Frogs (5-0, 2-0 Big 12) are out to their best start since 2017 after winning the matchup of surprise unbeatens.

    “When we got through fall camp we knew we had some talented players,” TCU coach Sonny Dykes said. “We felt if we could figure things out we’re going to have a pretty good team that can string some wins together.

    “But we’ve got a lot of stuff we have to clean up on defense, and we’ve got a lot of stuff to clean up on offense. We left a lot of plays out there.”

    Duggan finished 23 of 33 for 308 yards.

    “It was huge to (win) a game like that on the road against a ranked opponent,” Duggan said. “We struggled in parts. Getting a win like that builds our confidence.”

    Duggan outdueled Kansas backup quarterback Jason Bean in a wild second half. Jalon Daniels, who led the Jayhawks to five straight wins for their best start since 2009, suffered an injury to his right (throwing) shoulder late in the first half.

    Bean, who started the first 10 games last season, was 16 of 24 for 262 yards and he became the first Kansas quarterback to throw for four touchdowns in a half since Todd Reesing in 2008.

    “I don’t think it did much,” Dykes said of the switch to Bean. “They did what they did. Jason came in and played really well. I felt like we had guys contained and we got outrun. Any time your backup quarterback can come in and plays at the level he played at, you’ve got a good team.”

    Kansas coach Lance Leipold was proud of the resiliency of his club.

    “I’m proud of the way we battled, being down, losing Jalon,” he said. “I think we left opportunities out there. I’d like to commend (Bean), the way he’s handled it to be ready. If he is asked to be the starter next week, I’m very confident he’ll have a very good week of preparation and take advantage of his opportunity to be a starter.”

    Leipold said he would know more about Daniels’ status after further testing on his shoulder Monday. The coach didn’t rule out Daniels for the next game.

    Johnston’s 206 yards on 14 catches were the most by a TCU receiver since 2016.

    “We had a plan from the end of the last game until now and that was to play fast,” Johnston said. “As receivers, we’ve got to get the ball and get as many yards up the field. I wouldn’t say that was the best of our ability, but we did enough to win.

    “It’s all a mindset. If you love football, you’re going to go get it every single day.”

    After combining for just 13 points in the first half, the teams combined for 42 in the third quarter alone.

    What was expected to be an offensive shootout was anything but early. The Horned Frogs settled for a field goal, turned over the ball on downs and punted on their first three possession while the Jayhawks punted twice and failed to convert a fourth-and-5 on their third series.

    “I think both teams made adjustments,” Duggan said. “That’s a good football team over there. It was kind of struggling on offense in the first half, but our defense bailed us out. It was an all-round team effort.”

    The Jayhawks (5-1, 2-1 Big 12) appeared headed for the go-ahead touchdown in the middle of the second quarter when Daniels fumbled near the goal line.

    The Horned Frogs went 99 yards in six plays, with Kendre Miller’s 1-yard run making it 10-0.

    Kansas got its first points on Jacob Borcila’s 40-yard field goal one play after Daniels injured his shoulder.

    Bean threw touchdown passes of 12 yards to Tanaka Scott and 8 yards Luke Grimm to put the Jayhawks up 17-10. Duggan found Derius Davis on a 51-yard touchdown pass to tie it, and after Jamoi Hodge picked off Bean at the Kansas 26, TCU regained the lead on a 3-yard run by Duggan.

    Bean’s 38-yard TD pass to Quintin Skinner tied it, but Duggan’s 25-yarder to Taye Barber put the Horned Frogs up again. Bean then hit Skinner with a 29-yard TD pass to tie it 31-all with 4:21 left in the game.

    THE TAKEAWAY

    TCU: Duggan is playing some of the best football of his career. He averaged 6.1 yards per carry and nearly 10 yards per pass attempt. He’s got a great grasp of offensive coordinator Garrett Riley’s offense.

    Kansas: The 5-0 start was not a fluke. Even with Daniels injured near the end of the first half, the Jayhawks were able to move the ball on the ground and through the air.

    POLL IMPLICATIONS

    TCU is in for a promotion. It could be a close call whether the Jayhawks stay in the Top 25 after entering the rankings for the first time since 2009 last week.

    UP NEXT

    Kansas: Visits Oklahoma on Saturday.

    TCU: Hosts No. 7 Oklahoma State on Saturday.

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    More AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/college-football and https://twitter.com/AP—Top25. Sign up for the AP’s college football newsletter: https://apnews.com/cfbtop25.

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