Matt Stafford May Be The First Overall NFL Draft Pick By The Detroit Lions in 2009

Rumor has it that Matt Stafford may be the first pick overall in the 2009 NFL draft, going to the Detroit Lions. Everybody knows the Lions’ rebuilding project will continue wih this year’s draft – a rebuilding tradition they started back in the ’60s and have yet to complete. Mike Mayock, draft expert for the NFL Network, in a conference call said, “Matt Stafford’s probably going No. 1 to Detroit, but it’s way too early to say that (definitively).”

Nobody questions the fact that almost without exception, strength and leadership at the quarterback position can bring a team together both on and off the field, can lead players to believe in each other, and can help turn a franchise around in a big way. But is drafting Matt Stafford the way to go? Oh man, Detroit, I don’t know about this one. You’re scaring me.

With the current crop of quarterbacks in Detroit consisting of Dan Orlovsky, Drew Stanton, Drew Henson, and Daunte Culpepper, the quarterback position will clearly need to be addressed in Detroit. But Matt Stafford is a big risk. He is not likely to be the guy in the near term, which is fine if you believe he may someday become the guy. But drafting Matt Stafford is no sure thing. It’s much more of a hope and a prayer than anything else. Is that really what you want to do with your first round pick?

I mean, here are a few things to consider:

• Stafford may or may not turn into a solid NFL quarterback
• Detroit is not going to be a very good team in 2009-2010 and will likely draft high in 2010
• The Lions can draft players at other positions this year that have a much higher probability of success both near and long term
• The 2010 NFL draft is going to be loaded with quarterbacks – arguably one of the top quarterback classes ever

Put those factors together and what do you have? I’d say Detroit should go with less risky players at other positions that can contribute sooner in the 2009 draft. Then they can either try to develop one of their current quarterbacks for one more season and see if they pan out, or try to pick up a solid veteran quarterback through free agency before the 2009-2010 season. Then, when the 2009-2010 season comes to an end, you re-evaluate the position. If you think you have the quarterback position taken care of for the next several seasons, then leave it alone and draft elsewhere. If you still need help there, you’re going to draft high in 2010 and you’ll have your pick of several of the best college quarterbacks ever!

Colt McCoy, Sam Bradford, Graham Harrell, and Tim Tebow are all arguably better than Matt Stafford, and will all be coming out in the 2010 NFL draft. Would you really rather have Matt Stafford than these guys? No chance. Leave Stafford alone, draft elsewhere, and see where you stand come draft time 2010. You’re going to have a shot at a great quarterback, so pass on Stafford and look elsewhere.

On a personal note I’d like to say that although Matt Millen had no success in Detroit, he was an outstanding player and has handled his lack of success as a standup guy – not shying away from the cameras and not placing blame elsewhere. I totally respect him for that and welcome him back to the television booth – all past successes appreciated, all past failures forgotten.