Jared Goff is coming off one of the best years of his career in 2024 and should continue to provide efficient play as the Detroit Lions’ starting quarterback. However, a recent 2026 NFL Draft prediction has the team thinking about life after Goff.
Pro Football Network’s Mark Stolte predicts the Lions will use a second-round pick in next year’s draft on Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt.
According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, NFL scouts view Leavitt as the best draft prospect in the Big 12.
“NFL scouts consistently see Leavitt as the best NFL prospect in the Big 12. He’s entering his third year in college after transferring from Michigan State,” Thamel wrote.
Leavitt had a solid 2024 campaign in his first season as a starter, as the Oregon native tossed 24 touchdowns and six interceptions with a 61.7% completion rate and 2,885 passing yards. He also added 443 yards and five touchdowns on the ground.
Having another year of starting experience under his belt should push Leavitt into the first-round discussion in 2026, but there is a chance he drops to Day 2. If so, Detroit could look to grab the high-potential dual-threat quarterback and sit him behind Goff to develop for a few seasons.
Leavitt, who transferred to Arizona State from Michigan State in December 2023, has a ton of promise and could be the Lions’ eventual replacement for Goff if they decide to select him next April.
MORE DETROIT LIONS NEWS
Former Detroit Lions first-round pick announces retirement from NFL
Ravens-Lions trade pitch sends Detroit’s $18 million captain to Baltimore
Lions predicted to pair Aidan Hutchinson with 4-time Pro Bowler who has 77 career sacks
