ROTB Community Mock Draft: With the 1st Overall Pick, the Detroit Lions Select...

by Andrew602 on Mar 16, 2009 11:23 AM MDT

Matthew Stafford QB Georgia

6'2, 225 lbs.

Originally, I was set to mock the Lions 1st overall pick to Aaron Curry, but with the trade for Julian Peterson over the weekend, I don't see that happening now.

Positives: Stafford is a strong, well-minded quarterback who will come in and work hard to improve the Lions offense. He has good strength and can easily throw the ball up field. He has the ideal size for a quarterback, with a decent quickness as well. Stays strong in the pocket and is not afraid to take a hit. Will try to extend plays and find an open receiver. Has a strong work ethic with no attitude issues. Stafford is a smart, poised quarterback, who will bring everything he has every week.

Negatives: There are only a few drawbacks to Stafford. Most critics think he may not be worthy for the 1st overall pick, and may be there by default. He isn't quite NFL-ready, and may need to develop, rather then start immediately. Sometimes forces throws and will try to predict where a defender will be. Will throw off his back foot a lot, which could result in turnovers. Stafford is quick but is best suited as a pocket passer, and will struggle on the run. Takes a lot of hits, which will worry some scouts, as the beating may affect his durability.

Why the Lions will draft him: Stafford is the top quarterback prospect going into the draft and is a position the Lions need to address. With Culpepper not what he used to be, and no other significant quarterbacks on the bench, Stafford is the likely pick. After going 0-16, they need to establish some kind of consistency, which Stafford will bring. He will improve this team, and become the franchise quarterback. With two picks still very early, the Lions can upgrade the offensive line later in the draft.

As a reminder, Hawk is officially on the clock with the 2nd overall pick for the St. Louis Rams.

Tweet Comment 3 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

You've set the bar high

Well done Andrew, this is a quality write up for the first round of the first time we’ve done the draft this way.

I have to admit I was actually thinking you’d pick Curry even in light of Peterson, the reason being, how many of the other teams are in such need of a QB, and as you stated they have later picks in the first round. I’d think they would use this time to pick Curry and develop him under Peterson.

by CardsFan08 on Mar 16, 2009 1:35 PM MDT reply actions

Cutler

Great writeup and given what we know now, I agree that Stafford is the pick. But Culter wants out of Denver and he is a better QB than Stafford is projected to be, plus he’s a known quantity. I think Detroit trades pick number 20 (which they acquired from Dallas for Roy Williams) to Denver for Cutler and uses this pick on either Curry or a left-tackle. Barring a pre-draft move though, Detroit has to pick Stafford here.

by AZCARDS66 on Mar 16, 2009 2:49 PM MDT reply actions

Great write-up but God how horrible would Detroit be if they made it

I know its the consensus. The whole “draft the top-QB” aspect is BS especially when it is freakin’ Stafford. He may be the pick, but it would be horrible. Stafford? A #1? Did Detroit even watch him play?

When I get sad, I stop being sad and be awesome again.
-Barney Stinson

by Red Reign on Mar 16, 2009 4:12 PM MDT reply actions