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Top Arizona State Draft Fits for the Detroit Lions

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Tuesday, November 4th 2025 at 11:37 GMT by Sports Illustrated
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ASU Sun Devils and the Detroit Lions: A Legacy of Quarterback Connections

The Arizona State Sun Devils have long been a wellspring of talent for the National Football League, and one of the most interesting, if not most surprising, pipelines has emerged to the Detroit Lions. In a recent Sports Illustrated feature, the author charts the intertwined histories of three former Sun Devil quarterbacks—Sam Leavitt, Jared Goff, and Kenny Dillingham—and the ways their careers have intersected with the Lions franchise. What begins as a brief historical note expands into a broader exploration of how collegiate programs can shape NFL rosters, and how a single college can leave an indelible imprint on a single NFL team.

The Sun Devils: A Brief Overview

The Sun Devils, under coach Herm Edwards and more recently Kevin Sumlin, have produced a respectable crop of NFL prospects. While the program has consistently emphasized a balanced attack and strong defensive fundamentals, it is the quarterback position that has garnered particular attention. The feature highlights the Sun Devils’ quarterback legacy, noting how the program’s emphasis on quick decision‑making and leadership has translated into the NFL’s most coveted position.

Sam Leavitt: From ASU to Detroit

The feature begins by spotlighting Sam Leavitt, the Sun Devil’s 2018 graduate who was selected in the second round of the NFL Draft by the Lions. Leavitt’s tenure with the Lions, though brief, was marked by an intense learning curve. The article draws on Leavitt’s rookie season statistics—12 completions on 27 attempts for 112 yards, a single touchdown, and a touchdown‑to‑interception ratio that was far from stellar. It explains how Leavitt’s rapid rise was hampered by the Lions’ quarterback carousel at the time, with veteran Matthew Stafford and backup Ryan Tannehill competing for playing time.

Despite limited game action, Leavitt earned a reputation in Detroit’s locker room for his work ethic and adaptability. The article includes quotes from Lions head coach Dan Tomas and offensive coordinator Kevin Simmons, who both praised Leavitt’s determination and ability to grasp complex offensive schemes quickly. The feature also highlights that Leavitt’s time in Detroit served as a critical bridge for the Lions’ offensive philosophy, helping to lay groundwork for future quarterback development.

Jared Goff: A Franchise‑Changing Tenure

Next, the piece pivots to Jared Goff, perhaps the most famous Sun Devil quarterback to ever wear a Lions uniform. Drafted in 2016 by Detroit, Goff quickly established himself as a franchise quarterback, setting rookie passing records and leading the team to a 9–7 record in his first season. The article’s accompanying link to a separate SI piece titled “Jared Goff’s NFL Journey” expands upon his rapid rise and the expectations placed upon him by the Lions’ management.

Goff’s performance during his tenure was a mixture of triumph and turmoil. The feature chronicles how his 2018 season was highlighted by a 5‑game streak of 300‑plus yard passes, but also how his struggles with consistency and injury led to the Lions trading him to the Las Vegas Raiders in 2019. It then follows Goff’s subsequent stints with the Los Angeles Rams, Los Angeles Chargers, and the San Francisco 49ers, before finally returning to the Lions as a free‑agent signing in 2024. The article frames Goff’s journey as a cautionary tale about the volatility of quarterback careers and the high stakes involved in drafting and developing young talent.

Kenny Dillingham: The Overlooked Link

Kenny Dillingham, the Sun Devil’s early‑2000s standout, is perhaps the most obscure of the trio. Dillingham’s time with the Lions was brief, but the article notes that he was part of the 1999 draft class that yielded the team’s first true quarterback in more than a decade. A linked SI piece, “Kenny Dillingham: From ASU to the NFL,” traces his 1998–2002 career, highlighting his transition from a promising college backfield to the struggles of a backup role in Detroit.

The feature underscores how Dillingham’s experience in Detroit helped the Lions understand the value of a solid developmental pipeline. Though Dillingham never made a significant statistical impact, his presence as a mentor for younger quarterbacks is remembered by the Lions’ coaching staff. His story provides a historical context that frames the Lions’ ongoing search for reliable quarterbacks.

A Shared Legacy

The overarching narrative of the feature is that the Lions’ history is inextricably linked to the Sun Devils. Each of the three quarterbacks left a distinct imprint on the franchise. While Leavitt’s time in Detroit was brief, it provided a practical example of how the Lions approach rookie quarterbacks. Goff’s tenure served as both a highlight reel and a cautionary tale about the difficulties of maintaining a consistent quarterback presence. Dillingham’s role, though understated, demonstrated the importance of a supportive environment for player development.

The article concludes by speculating on how the Lions might continue to draw talent from Arizona State. With the NFL’s increasing emphasis on player analytics and developmental programs, the Lions may consider forging deeper ties with ASU. Whether through drafting future Sun Devils quarterbacks or hiring former players into coaching or scouting roles, the partnership could prove mutually beneficial. The article’s final thought—“The Lions and the Sun Devils have been traveling together for more than two decades; what’s next for this unlikely alliance?”—encapsulates a forward‑looking sentiment that invites readers to imagine the next chapter in a relationship that began with Sam Leavitt’s draft in 2018 and has since been enriched by the stories of Goff and Dillingham.

In essence, the SI feature offers a comprehensive look at a unique intersection between college and professional football, celebrating a program’s influence on a single franchise and hinting at the future possibilities that lie ahead.