ALLEN PARK -- Detroit Lions rookie quarterback Kellen Moore's NFL aspirations appeared to be dwindling a few months ago.

Moore was not selected in this year's NFL Draft, but signed with Detroit as an undrafted free agent with the hopes of replacing Drew Stanton, the Lions' third-string quarterback last season. He appeared to have the inside track for that job, but struggled this offseason.

During rookie minicamp, organized team activities, and Detroit's mandatory minicamp, Moore was inconsistent and struggled to throw deep passes. Although coaches and teammates defended him, Detroit re-signed quarterback R.J. Archer to compete against Moore in this year's training camp.

It appears competition is bringing the best out of Moore.

"Kellen has such a great background, and has such a great command of offensive football already with what we're doing," Lions offensive coordinator Scott Linehan said. "I think he's had a great (training camp) ... it's been kind of quiet because we don't do a whole lot with the three's, but he's really taken his game to another level from our offseason program and OTAs."

Moore was 50-3 as a college starter at Boise State. Last season, Moore was 326-of-439 (74.3 percent) for 3,800 yards, nine interceptions and a career-best 43 touchdowns. In 2010 as a junior, Moore was 273-of-383 (71.3 percent) for a career-high 3,845 yards, 35 touchdowns and six interceptions. He finished fourth in the Heisman voting (first Bronco ever invited to the ceremony). Moore also earned First Team All-American and All-WAC honors.

In Moore's four-year career, he threw for 14,374 yards, 140 touchdowns and 26 interceptions.

Moore will have a chance to showcase his abilities when Detroit plays its preseason game at home against Cleveland next Friday.