Lions’ 2017 NFL Draft results: Detroit selects QB Brad Kaaya in sixth round

With their second selection in the sixth round of the 2017 NFL Draft, the Detroit Lions have selected quarterback Brad Kaaya.

The Detroit Lions drafted Jake Rudock in the sixth round last year, and it appears he will have competition this year. Veteran backup Dan Orlovsky was not re-signed this offseason and it appeared Rudock was next in line to take over the spot behind Matthew Stafford. Now that the Lions have drafted Kaaya, that doesn’t appear to be so clear-cut.

Kaay spent three years as the Hurricanes’ starter, completing 60.6 percent of his passes for 69 touchdowns and 24 interceptions. Kaaya has a below-average arm and mediocre-at-best accuracy, but scouts apparently like what’s going on between the ears.

From his NFL.com profile:

SOURCES TELL US

“I really love his mental makeup and I want to like him more as a prospect. I just think someone is going to overdraft the person or the intangibles. At the end of the day, he has to throw with better accuracy and velocity or he’ll be just another guy.” -- Director of pro personnel for NFC team

Kaaya will have an uphill climb to overtake Rudock as the team’s backup. It’s more likely he’ll follow a path similar to Rudock’s last year. He could spend a year on the practice squad and the Lions would re-evaluate next year. At the very least, Kaaya could be trade-bait for any quarterback hungry teams out there.

Lions 2017 draft picks:

• Round 1, Pick 21 (21 overall): LB Jarrad Davis, Florida
• Round 2, Pick 21 (53 overall): CB Teez Tabor, Florida
• Round 3, Pick 32 (96 overall): WR Kenny Golladay, Northern Illinois
• Round 4, Pick 16 (124 overall): LB Jalen Reeves-Maybin, Tennessee
• Round 4, Pick 20 (128 overall): TE Michael Roberts, Toledo
• Round 5, Pick 21 (165 overall): CB Jamal Agnew, San Diego
• Round 6, Pick 21 (205 overall): DT Jeremiah Ledbetter, Arkansas
• Round 6, Pick 31 (215 overall): QB Brad Kaaya, Miami

Lions remaining picks

• Round 7, Pick 32 (250 overall) - Via Patriots from Michael Williams Trade

Top remaining needs for Lions:

• Linebacker
• Defensive end
• Defensive tackle
• Wide receiver
• Running back
• Cornerback
• Tight end
• Free safety

NFL Draft schedule

Saturday

What: Rounds 4-7 of the NFL Draft
When: Saturday, April 29, Noon ET
Where: Philadelphia, PA
TV: NFL Network, ESPN
Time per pick: Rounds 4-6: 5 minutes; Round 7: 4 minutes
Estimated time of Lions picks:

• Pick 250 overall: 6:30 p.m. ET