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The Detroit Lions closed out the 2012 NFL Draft with at least one clear existing need at the No. 3 quarterback spot behind Matthew Stafford and Shaun Hill. Within hours after the draft, they have sealed that void by signing Boise State quarterback Kellen Moore.
Moore was a four-year starter at Boise State and was projected by many to go sometime in the sixth round. However, because of his physical stature and the knock on his not-so-quick release, Moore went undrafted and conveniently fell into the Lions' laps, who have Titus Young, a former teammate of Moore's.
By most accounts, Moore is a great fit for the Lions, who needed a No. 3 with Drew Stanton signing elsewhere and will need a solid No. 2 in a couple years when Hill moves on. Sports Illustrated's Stewart Mandel felt Moore was very underrated heading into the draft:
I don't care that Moore is only 6-foot, that pesky handicap that's obviously troubled Drew Brees so much. No one who watched Moore lead his team on that game-winning drive against Virginia Tech in 2010 or shred an eventual Top 10 Georgia defense last fall can say with a straight face that he was anything but a lethal passer. His accuracy was astounding, his anticipation of where his receivers would break unmatched by any quarterback in the draft this side of Luck. While Moore's arm isn't a Luck-like rocket, it's not weak. This isn't a Tim Tebow situation, where Moore won a lot of games (50) despite zany mechanics. Moore is an incredibly polished passer -- among the very best in the country the past four years -- and could easily become an NFL starter if given the chance. Unfortunately, it doesn't look like many teams are willing to give him one.
He's not going to get a chance to start in Detroit as long as Matthew Stafford is around and healthy, but if Mandel is right, the Lions shrewdly landed a quality quarterback without the use of a draft pick.
The Lions are expected to be very active with the undrafted free agents and, in addition to Moore, have already reportedly inked Illinois kicker Derek Dimke and Rodney Austin, a guard from the Southern Conference's Elon Phoenix.
For more on the Detroit Lions, make sure to check out Pride of Detroit. All your 2012 NFL Draft needs can be fulfilled at the SB Nation Detroit storystream. For a complete list of 2012 NFL Draft results as they happen, visit SBNation.com.
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