The Detroit Lions failed in their last attempt to draft and develop a rookie quarterback, giving up on the Hendon Hooker project prior to last season.
The team may have a slow start to their next project, with an analyst suggesting that rookie Luke Altmyer will fail to make this year’s roster despite some impressive performances throughout the offseason.
Rookie QB May Need to Start on the Practice Squad
In his prediction of the final 53-man roster, SI.com’s Christian Booher believes the Lions won’t leave room for Altmyer on the depth chart.
“Altmyer has impressed early in offseason workouts, but it remains an uphill climb for him to make the final roster,” Booher wrote. “With how much talent is on this team, it’s hard to envision the team keeping the UDFA passer at the expense of another position. He could be slated for a year of learning on the practice squad.”
The Lions brought back veteran Teddy Bridgewater to back up starter Jared Goff, but signaled with Altmyer that they wanted to develop a long-term backup. The Lions had used a third-round draft pick on Hooker in 2023, but he failed to progress after spending the majority of his rookie season rehabbing a torn ACL.
But Altmyer is not expected to pass Bridgewater on the depth chart, and the Lions have only kept two quarterbacks on their 53-man roster in recent seasons. That could give Altmyer the chance to serve as an emergency quarterback on the practice squad, continuing to progress throughout the season behind veterans Goff and Bridgewater.
Lions High on Luke Altmyer
The Lions seem to be pleased with what they’ve seen from Altmyer through the offseason practices so far. Head coach Dan Campbell shared praise for his progress at OTAs, saying the team likes his confidence.
“He doesn’t lack confidence, that’s for sure,” Campbell told reporters on June 4. “I mean, what we thought he would be at this point, I would say, has kind of held true. What I mean by that is, man, he’s able to kind of retain the information we have given him so far.
“Feel like he’s getting a little bit better every day, talk about the processing speed of the quarterback. He’s got a lot on his plate, but he knows what the calls are, he knows where guys are supposed to be, the shifts, the motions.
“And that’s good. For a young guy, that’s really good. So, we’ll see when it really gets going.”
Lions offensive coordinator Drew Petzing also praised Altmyer’s poise so far this offseason.
“Unflappable is the word that would come to mind. Every day, he’s the same guy,” said Petzing. “He puts in the same process, he works, he never seems overwhelmed by what we’re asking him to do or how we’re asking him to do it.
“He’s willing to learn and will work at it, which has been great.”
Though Goff is not expected to cede the reins anytime soon, the Lions could benefit from a long-term backup, especially one on a rookie contract.
Lions Predicted to Part Ways With Rookie QB Despite ‘Impressive’ Offseason