True Detroit Lions fans are by and large a positive, and some mighty say delusional at times, fanbase, but there’s also a strong contingent of followers who are extraordinarily pessimistic.
In the case of the 2021-2022 team’s chances, there’s an air of cautious optimism surrounding the team and fanbase, especially in light of GM Brad Holmes’ comments on new starting quarterback Jared Goff, as well as the addition of new head coach Dan Campbell.
Campbell is a bona-fide optimist and a character the likes of which the Lions haven’t had at the head coaching position since Wayne Fontes, and he is just one reason for hope as Detroit heads into the upcoming season.
But according to one major sports site, the Lions may be in line for an entirely different type of result, one that could end up with them selecting Goff’s replacement with the number one overall pick.
Lions Projected to Take Oklahoma Star in Way-Too-Early Mock Draft
According to a way-too-early mock draft from 247Sports.com, the Lions are projected to take Oklahoma star Spencer Rattler with the #1 overall pick, presumably after yet another disastrous season.
The projection comes on the heels of Holmes’ recent vote of confidence for Goff, which has many believing that the Lions could hitch their wagon to the former Rams star for the long haul.
Would Detroit actually consider doing something they never did with Matt Stafford, namely, taking a young star early in the draft to push him to perform better and perhaps even threaten to take his job?
It all sounds quite far-fetched, but Rattler is a premiere prospect with all of the tools to become a star at the next level.
As a sophomore last season for the Sooners, Rattler threw for 3,031 yards to go with 28 touchdowns and only seven interceptions.
He led Oklahoma to a two-loss season in his first year as the full-time starter, including a 55-20 blowout of the Florida Gators in the Cotton Bowl.
Rattler went 14/23 with 247 yards and 3 touchdowns in that game. While he wasn’t as efficient as his usual performance, he did manage the game well, throwing the ball away at the right time and not trying to do too much when the play wasn’t there.
He could be a quality pickup for Detroit, but let’s be honest: this is a nightmare scenario for a team that needs another winning season to boost morale going forward after a frustrating 13-29 stint under former coach Matt Patricia.
Check out Rattler managing the game and making big throws in the video bowl:
