Detroit Lions 2012 Draft: 5 Late-Round Quarterback Targets

Whether you are the Indianapolis Colts or the Green Bay Packers, success in the NFL draft is a good indicator of success in the regular season. For the Detroit Lions, it is no different.

Regardless of their unprecedented success in 2011, the draft is still the Lions' primary focus of the offseason.

The Lions have holes in their roster. Cornerback, linebacker and defensive end are currently deemed to be the biggest needs.  Although, with the recent developments regarding Mikel Leshoure, perhaps running back just vaulted to No. 1 on that list.

Any of those needs could be immediately addressed by drafting the right player.

Amid all the free-agency buzz and draft predictions, let's hope the Lions don't forget about their need to find a quarterback to replace Drew Stanton.

The Lions have two very capable signal-callers on the roster in Matthew Stafford and Shaun Hill. So, finding a third-stringer is not a need on par with those listed above; but it is a need nonetheless.

Let's not forget, the Lions are only one year removed from being forced to rely heavily on Stanton. Lucky for them, he performed admirably while starting four games in 2010. He was a big reason they finished the year so strong.

Obviously, it is important to have someone who can get the job done when called upon.

Backup quarterback is a need that can be effectively addressed in the later rounds of the draft, though. Good value can be had. It is possible that the Lions could even nab a quarterback as an undrafted free agent.

Here are five quality passers that the Lions could target in the late rounds of the draft.

Chandler Harnish, Northern Illinois

Chandler Harnish is categorized as a dual-threat quarterback. Not in the vein of Michal Vick or Cam Newton, though.

At this point in his career, he is more comparable to Tyler Thigpen. 

He put up impressive career numbers at NIU with 2,955 rushing yards and 8,420 passing yards, but it was his senior year that was his standout performance. He threw for 3,216 yards, 28 touchdowns and only six interceptions.

The knock against Harnish is that he struggles to throw the deep ball. As a late-round pick, with a third-string quarterback spot waiting for him, this isn't a huge issue. Harnish has time to develop.

What might peak the Lions' interest is that his skill set makes him very similar to Drew Stanton. He's athletic, mobile and—as a four-year starter—has the leadership experience that might make his transition to the NFL easier.

He is projected to be a seventh-round pick or an undrafted free agent, and ESPN lists him as the 11th-rated quarterback available.

B.J. Coleman, University Tennessee at Chattanooga

B.J. Coleman was a top-20 recruit out of high school and landed at the University of Tennessee with high expectations. Unfortunately, a coaching staff change derailed his chances of starting, and he transferred to UTC in 2009.

He had an impressive junior year in 2010 throwing for 2,996 yards, 26 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. However, his senior year was less than stellar, and he missed four games with a shoulder injury.

He was also unable to participate at the NFL combine because of an injury to his throwing hand.

However, he was invited to play in the East-West Shrine Game and, according to nfldraftprospect.com, helped his draft stock immensely. Experts observed that Coleman was, "physically the most gifted prospect at the game and displayed size, smooth mobility and a rocket arm."

He is also described as having a passion for the game, a willingness to learn and improve, and he is an ideal teammate.

He's not ready to take over a team by any means, but for a fifth- or sixth-round draft pick, the Lions could do a lot worse.

Aaron Corp, Richmond

Aaron Corp was a another highly recruited quarterback out of high school in 2007 and landed at USC. He beat out Matt Barkley for the starting job, but he never became the household name that Barkley did.

Fate had other plans for him. 

Corp broke his leg in the preseason, Barkley took over, and the rest is history.

Looking for a new start, he transferred to Richmond and was the Spiders' starting quarterback for two seasons. Although, his first year in 2010 was cut short due to injury.

He also didn't set the world on fire as you might expect. His touchdown-to-turnover ratio was only 20:17.

However, Corp impressed at the NFL combine, and as a result, his stock is on the rise. According to CBSSports.com:

"

Corp's arm strength looked better than advertised with the footwork and quickness to maneuver well in the pocket and throw on the run. He also assured those in attendance that his 2010 season-ending knee injury was fully healed. Corp is still graded as a priority free agent by most teams, but it wouldn't be a huge shock to hear his name late on draft weekend because of his performance since the season ended. He projects as a developmental, third-string quarterback at the next level.

"

Whether it be in the later rounds or as a free agent, Corp could be a diamond in the rough for some team. Why not the Lions?

Darron Thomas, Oregon

Most people won't have a problem recognizing Darron Thomas as the starting quarterback for the Oregon Ducks. As a two-year starter, he led the Ducks offense and had them in the mix for the national championship both years.

He also broke the university's record for career passing touchdowns with 66.

His accomplishments were great. Unfortunately, so is the criticism he received for entering the draft early.

Most experts agree that he is making a huge mistake. His skills are not refined enough as a passer, and his accuracy is a big question mark. According to this ESPN.com article, he may not even get drafted.

While this could very well be true, I find it hard to believe that some team won't take a flier on a guy who passed for 66 touchdowns in two seasons.

He's not a "pro-style quarterback," either. But neither was Drew Stanton. The Lions offense is eclectic, and Scott Linehan has changed the style to suit his signal-caller.

This should not be an issue.

Nor should it be a reason for the Lions to miss a chance at drafting someone with so much potential. He is projected as a steal in the seventh round or as an undrafted free agent.

Austin Davis, Southern Miss.

This walk-on at Southern Miss. ended up winning the starting job as a redshirt freshman. In fact, he held on to the starter's job for four years and ended up breaking most of Brett Favre's school passing records in the process.

His senior year was his most successful. He passed for 3,496 yards, 30 touchdowns and only 11 interceptions. He also rushed for four touchdowns.

More importantly, he led his team to the CUSA title.

According to nfldraftscout.com, Davis was an "underrated combine performer" who "passed well to all levels of the field and showed impressive accuracy on the deep ball."

Because of his impressive performances at the NFL combine and at his pro day, Davis' stock is on the rise. He is projected as a sixth-round pick.

He certainly sounds like the type of player that Martin Mayhew and Jim Schwartz might find intriguing. His journey from walk-on to conference champion suggests that he has a strong work ethic and knows how to get the most out of his abilities.

He could be a great fit for Detroit.