2009 NFL Mock Draft: 4.0
NFL Mock Draft: | 1.0 | 2.0 | 3.0 | 4.0 |
Updated (Mar 2, 2009)
We have updated to NFL Mock Draft 5.0 Check it out!
Total Pro Sports - Introducing the Total Pro Sports Mock Draft, version 4.0. Many changes have occurred in the first two rounds as a result of the recent scouting combine and the new third round has just been added! With the free agency period now underway, expect frequent changes in the coming weeks as team needs change.
It is our intention to add more, more, MORE to this section as the draft approaches, making TPS your one stop shop for draft analysis. Changing team needs, player workout results, in-depth film study, character assessments, and all the other "measurables" play significant roles in where players are drafted. As new information becomes available, watch as players move up or down the draft board, possibly landing on your favorite team's roster.
Leave your comments or questions below and share your thoughts with us, as well as other NFL fans around the globe. I will respond to as many questions and comments as I can, so check back often. Let's talk talent!
Best Case - Refers to a player's "up-side". My view of what a player is likely to become in the NFL, in terms of production or equivalent talent, assuming that he reaches his full potential.
Worst Case - Refers to a player's "down-side" or "bust" potential. If you find a great NFL player's name used to describe a draftee's worst case scenario, then I am not concerned about a bust possibility, as is the case with Knowshon Moreno.
(Best Case/Worst Case are used only in the first round)
Lets take a look at the 2009 Mock NFL Draft: 4.0
Round 1
| Pos | Team | Player | Comments | Best Case/Worst Case | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  |
Matt Stafford, Georgia, QB | Grudgingly, Stafford goes number one overall. There's no doubting his ability, but time will tell if he ever realizes his great potential. | B- Jay Cutler
W- Kyle Boller |
 2 |
| 2 |  |
Jason Smith, Baylor, OT | A top heavy class of tackles allows the Rams to select the franchise left tackle to replace aging, and often injured, Orlando Pace. | B- Tony Boselli
W- Chris Samuels |
8 |
| 3 |  |
Aaron Curry, Wake Forest, OLB | With Cassel now a Chief, KC is able to take the top defender in the draft. Curry is one of the most talented football players I've ever seen--PERIOD. | B- Demarcus Ware
W-Julian Peterson |
2 |
| 4 |  |
Michael Crabtree, Texas Tech, WR | Crabtree's recent injury has many wondering if he'll slide. With no value tackle available, the decision for Seattle is still easy. That will not be the case if Monroe or J. Smith slide. | B- Michael Irvin
W- Keyshawn Johnson |
 2 |
| 5 |  |
Brian Orakpo, Texas, OLB | An explosive pass rusher who could produce ten plus sacks as a rookie. A no brainer for a team that needs a lot of help. | B-Julius Peppers
W-Adewale Ogunleye |
6 |
| 6 |  |
Eugene Monroe, Virginia, OT | With Jason Smith's stock rising, Monroe slides a little. Cincinatti certainly doesn't mind. | B-Walter Jones
W-D'Brickeshaw Furgeson |
5 |
| 7 |  |
Derrius Heyward-Bey, Maryland, WR | Yes, a shocker! What else is new for Al Davis. Heyward-Bey ran a 4.3 at the combine. Davis can't resist that kind of speed. | B-Joey Galloway
W-Charles Rogers |
23 |
| 8 |  |
Michael Oher, Ole Miss., OT | Jacksonville lands the franchise tackle they desperately need, but takes a slight risk on Oher. Great tangibles, but must improve consistency. | B-Orlando Pace
W-Joe Staley |
- |
| 9 |  |
BJ Raji, Boston College, DT | With the hiring of Dom Capers as the new DC, Green Bay needs a monster nose tackle to anchor its new 3-4 scheme. Look no further at 330 plus pounds. | B-Kris Jenkins
W-Barry Cofield |
- |
| 10 |  |
Mark Sanchez, USC, QB | The 49ers need a left tackle and a rush linebacker. None are available that pose the value Sanchez does. The Alex Smith era is officially over. Sanchez is perfect for this offense. | B-Carson Palmer
W-Trent Edwards |
6 |
| 11 |  |
Everett Brown, Florida State, DE | Buffalo desperately needs a pass rusher, as they finished near the bottom of the league in sacks. Brown is a gifted athlete with a huge upside. | B-Mario Williams
W-Jamaal Anderson |
2 |
| 12 |  |
Rey Maualuga, ILB, USC | The ideal 3-4 inside backer. Maualuga will play side by side with newly signed Andre Davis in the middle of Denver's new 3-4. | B-Junior Seau
W-Antonio Pierce |
- |
| 13 |  |
Andre Smith, Alabama, OT | A need pick here. The Skins badly need a right tackle and Smith, despite his apparent immaturity, is still the best one in the draft. | B-Jeff Otah
W-Leonard Davis |
6 |
| 14 |  |
Vontae Davis, Illinois, CB | In a weak draft for DB's, New Orleans takes arguably the best one in the draft. Could be Malcolm Jenkins here instead. | B-Nnamdi Asomugha
W-Will Allen |
1 |
| 15 |  |
Malcolm Jenkins, Ohio State, CB | Texans fill a huge need here, and finally have a corner to play opposite Duante Robinson. | B-Champ Baily
W-Antoine Winfield |
1 |
| 16 |  |
Knowshon Moreno, Georgia, RB | A chain reaction at the top of the draft causes Moreno to slide. It looks like LT may be traded or released. Moreno is perfect for the Charger system. | B-LaDainian Tomlinson
W-Brian Westbrook |
10 |
| 17 |  |
Josh Freeman, Kansas State, QB | Huge arm and huge upside. The Jets QB situation is sad, to say the least. With all the value corners off the board, Freeman is their guy. | B-Ben Roethlisburger
W-Jim Druckenmiller |
5 |
| 18 |  |
Michael Johnson, Georgia Tech, DE | Pure speed and agility! A sack specialist, which the Bears have a great need for. A freakish athlete with an enormous upside. | B-Javon Kearse
W-Gaines Adams |
- |
| 19 |  |
Chris Wells, Ohio State, RB | The new regime in Tampa is committed to building an explosive offense. Wells is a productive bruiser with a burst. Could be a two-back system with Cadillac Williams. | B-Larry Johnson
W-Lendale White |
8 |
| 20 | |
William Beatty, Connecticut, OT | Trade From Dallas: Beatty will protect a rookie quarterback and a huge investment. He can play both left and right tackle, but should start at left in week one. | B-Matt Light
W-Levi Brown |
15 |
| 21 |  |
Brandon Pettigrew, Oklahoma State, TE | McNabb needs this for Philly to stay in the hunt. There are no wide outs available at 21 that pose good enough value to pass up the best TE in this draft. | B-Jason Witten
W-Algae Crumpler |
- |
| 22 |  |
Alex Mack, California, C | With Matt Birk gone, the Vikings must replace him with an equal to keep that explosive running game intact. Tough to do, but Mack can do it. | B-Andre Gurode
W-Matt Birk |
10 |
| 23 |  |
Aaronn Maybin, Penn State, OLB | Slightly undersized backer who plays big with speed off the edge. The Pats OLB's aren't the youngest group in the league. Maybin will fit well in the New England 3-4, and produce some much needed sacks. | B-Shawn Merriman
W-Manny Lawson |
- |
| 24 |  |
Brian Cushing, USC, OLB | Cushing is a complete linebacker and will eventually replace aging Keith Brooking. | B-Lance Briggs
W-Scott Fujita |
2 |
| 25 |  |
Larry English, Northern Illinois, OLB | This draft is not short on rush linebackers, and the Dolphins are thrilled. They have more pressing needs, but won't find better value. | B-Joey Porter
W-Karlos Dansby |
20 |
| 26 |  |
Jeremy Maclin, Missouri, WR | Baltimore needs a speed receiver badly and are thrilled that Maclin slides to 26. | B-Chad Johnson
W-Devin Hester |
9 |
| 27 |  |
Hakeem Nicks, North Carolina, WR | With Marvin Harrison's release, the Colts must fill a huge hole. Nicks is perfect for Indy's system with great hands and runs precise routes. | B-Reggie Wayne
W-Muhsin Muhammad |
9 |
| 28 | |
Ebon Britton, Arisona, OT | Trade From Carolina: Both Eagle starting tackles are in their mid 30's. Britton can play either side, and will replace Tra Thomas eventually. | B-Jordan Gross
W-Ryan Diem |
- |
| 29 |  |
Kenny Britt, Rutgers, WR | Britt is 6'4" and highly athletic. If he runs in the 4.4 area at the combine, he will go higher. Britt will begin filling the void left by Plaxico Burress, if Plex does not return, or will be a nice compliment to him. | B-Plaxico Burress
W-Reggie Williams |
- |
| 30 |  |
Peria Jerry, Ole Miss, DT | Albert Haynesworth is gone and must be replaced. Jerry is the best candidate. | B-Tommy Harris
W-Broderick Bunkley |
10 |
| 31 |  |
Max Unger, Oregon, C | Running back is an obvious weakness, but no back will be productive in Arizona without upgrading the interior O-line first. Unger can play either G or C. | B-Kevin Mawae
W-Ryan Kalil |
4 |
| 32 |  |
Tyson Jackson, LSU, DE | An excellent player against the run, and perfect for Pitt's 3-4. Jackson will eventually replace aging Aaron Smith. | B-Justin Tuck
W-Philip Merling |
17 |
Round 2
| Pos | Team | Player | Comments | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 33 | |
Paul Kruger, Utah, DE | Detroit looks to improve their pass rush with sack specialist, Kruger. Electing to go offense with its first two picks, Kruger is the best pass rushing end available and should start from day one. | - |
| 34 | |
Darius Butler, Connecticut, CB | Trade From KC: Filling a huge need here, Butler is the most complete corner on the board. | 15 |
| 35 | |
Sean Smith, Utah, S | The Rams land the top safety in the draft. Smith possesses freakish measurables, at 6'4 and 215 lbs, he ran a 4.53 at the combine and is a converted corner, if you can believe that. | 30 |
| 36 | |
Percy Harvin, Florida, WR | Inconsistent play from Braylon Edwards and the other Cleveland wideouts demands that the Browns draft another weapon for young Brady Quinn. Harvin slides into round two, possessing ideal value. | 17 |
| 37 | |
Jason Meredith, South Carolina, OT | Meredith is a fast riser who had an excellent combine. He can start day one on the right side, and will add depth on the left, protecting an injury-prone quarterback. | 28 |
| 38 | |
Duke Robinson, Oklahoma, G | The best guard in the draft with first round talent. A beast of a run blocker which will improve that sub-par offensive line. Robinson is the steal of the draft, to this point. | - |
| 39 | |
DJ Moore, Vanderbilt, CB | Slow combine times have all the corners sliding in this draft. Moore is no exception, but is an excellent value at 39 for a team that needs corners--plural. | 14 |
| 40 | |
Connor Barwin, Cincinatti, DE | Barwin is one of the few players that actually helped himself at the combine. His athletic ability impressed everyone, especially Al Davis. Another speed player that is extremely versatile. He's played everything but head coach at Cincinatti. | 25 |
| 41 | |
Clint Sintim, Virginia, OLB | Sintim is the best rush linebacker on the board and fills a huge need for the converting 3-4 defense. | 1 |
| 42 | |
Eric Wood, Louisville, C | The Bills fill a glaring hole with this pick. Wood will provide some stability inside for the Bills and can play anywhere between the tackles. | 23 |
| 43 | |
Clay Matthews, USC, OLB | Matthews is a versatile linebacker who can rush the passer. He ran a better 40 times than most of the rush linebackers that went ahead of him. | 13 |
| 44 | |
Louis Delmas, Western Michigan, S | Trade From Washington: Parcels and company draft another small school player with big talent. Delmas reminds me a little of a younger Bob Sanders. He needs to add some weight, but is a big hitter with range and ball skills. | 1 |
| 45 | |
James Laurinaitis, ILB Ohio State | Trade From New Orleans: Laurinaitis slides to New York in round two allowing them to replace aging Antonio Pierce. He adds much needed spped to the Giants LB corps. | 15 |
| 46 | |
William Moore, Missouri, S | Filling another hole in the secondary, Houston takes the 223lb safety from Missouri. Moore is a big hitter with excellent speed. He should start week one. | 22 |
| 47 | |
Patrick Chung, Oregon, S | Trade From San Diego: Need pick to replace Rodney Harrison. Chung is in the same mold, a big hitter who plays smart. | 5 |
| 48 | |
Ron Brace, Boston College, DT | A dominant nose tackle is an absolute must when converting to the 3-4. We'll find out if Brace will become a dominant player, but he will certainly occupy space. | 4 |
| 49 | |
Phil Loadholt, Oklahoma, OT | A mammoth tackle at over 340 lbs! He should start on the right side, opposite Chris Williams, from day one, bringing the "Bear" back to Chicago's running game. | 1 |
| 50 | |
Cornelius Ingram, Florida, TE | Trade from Tampa Bay: With Winslow now gone, there is a glaring hole at TE. Cleveland nabs the tight end with the biggest upside in the draft. Had Ingram not missed the entire '08 season, he would have been a top 15 pick. A solid combine reminded scouts who he was. | 15 |
| 51 |  |
Robert Ayers, Tennessee, DE | Chris Canty is gone and Dallas needs to get younger defensively. Ayers has the size to play in Dallas' 3-4, but will add some speed. | 4 |
| 52 | |
Brian Robiskie, Ohio State, WR | Robiskie vaulted himself with an impressive combine. He is a technically sound, sure-handed receiver with decent speed. He is the son of an NFL receivers coach and is well schooled. The Jets will need to replace Lavernius Coles, and Robiskie should be able to play right away. | 13 |
| 53 | |
Donald Brown, Connecticut, RB | The second most complete back in the draft behind Moreno, Brown will provide quality depth for the Eagles and could replace Brian Westbrook within two years. | 2 |
| 54 | |
Alphonso Smith, Wake Forest, CB | The Vikings defense lacks corners with ball skills. Smith is probably the best "ball hawk" in the draft. Need pick. | 14 |
| 55 | |
Jared Cook, South Carolina, TE | Atlanta nabs a speed tight end with a huge upside. Cook is a better blocker than most realize and will give Matt Ryan another reliable red-zone target to go with Roddy White. | 10 |
| 56 | |
Andy Levitre, Oregon State, G | Some have him rated ahead of Duke Robinson as the top guard in the draft. He will join Jake Long on the left side in Miami. Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams couldn't be happier. | 1 |
| 57 | |
Mike Mickens, Cincinnati, CB | A physical corner in press coverage, Mickens was a four year starter for Cincinnati. At roughly 6'0", 190 lbs, he has an excellent frame and should add weight. Injury concerns have caused his slide into the late second round. | 5 |
| 58 | |
LeSean McCoy, Pittsburg, RB | The value is too great to pass up McCoy here. The addition of Fred Taylor gives McCoy a year to grow and learn. McCoy is the long term replacement to aging Kevin Faulk on third down. | 27 |
| 59 |  |
Sen'Derrick Marks, Auburn, DT | Extremely high value pick. Marks would have been a first rounder had he stayed in school another year. Some "motor" issues but tons of ability. | 6 |
| 60 | |
Chase Coffman, Missouri, TE | Finally the receiving tight end to replace Jeremy Shockey. The Giants weren't the same team without Shockey. Coffman is a huge target at 6'6" and will give Eli a reliable third down target. | 14 |
| 61 | |
Evander Hood, Missouri, DT | The Colts have to get stronger at the point of attack, on both sides of the ball. Hood is always in the backfield, and will improve that porous run defense while providing some added pressure on the passer. Perfect for Indy's scheme. | 3 |
| 62 | |
Juaquin Iglesias, Oklahoma, WR | A solid wide receiver who runs precise routes and has consistent hands. Iglesias is an excellent open field runner and should be able to start at WR2 by mid season. | 9 |
| 63 | |
Herman Johnson, LSU, G | A 380 lb monster guard! To find a consistent running game, Arizona will need more than good backs. | - |
| 64 | |
Rashad Johnson, Alabama, S | A highly intelligent player with great intangibles and superb ball skills. If the World Champions have a weakness on defense, free safety is it. Not anymore! | 4 |
Round 3
| Pos | Team | Player | Comments | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 65 | |
Macho Harris, Virginia Tech, CB | Harris is a physical player who is excellent in run support. He, like most corners in this class, lacks blazing speed but will be excellent in zone coverage. | 17 |
| 66 | |
Jarius Byrd, Oregon, CB | The Rams need quality corners and Byrd is an excellent value at 66 overall. He should be able to crack the starting lineup by midseason at worst. | - |
| 67 | |
Troy Kropog, Tulane, OT | KC needs to solidify that offensive line. LT Branden Albert is a natural guard. Kropog could be the answer on the left side but will start on opening day on the right. | 12 |
| 68 | |
Keenan Lewis, Oregon State, CB | Lewis is a big physical corner at 6'0" and 208 lbs. He is good in zone or bump, and will be great against the run as well. Fills a huge need. | - |
| 69 | |
Jason Phillips, TCU, ILB | Trade from Cleveland: I really like Phillips. He could be the most underrated prospect in the draft. Dallas needs to replace and upgrade Zach Thomas. Phillips will do that immediately. | - |
| 70 | |
Shonn Greene, Iowa, RB | The biggest steal of the draft! A slow 40 time has Greene sliding into round three. He should start from day one in Cincinatti and, barring injury, be a 1000 yard back. With Cedric Benson (who) gone, Greene should win the job outright out of training camp. | 33 |
| 71 | |
Fenuki Tupou, Oregon, OT | Athletic tackle who can also play guard. A perfect fit for the Raiders rushing attack. | - |
| 72 | |
Fili Moala, USC, DT | Excellent quickness. A gap penetrator who will pressure the quarterback. Played some 3-4 end in college, but at this point in the draft, he can be bulked up and could eventually become a dominant DT. | - |
| 73 | |
Mithc King, Iowa, DE | Going to the 3-4 requires new personnel and King is the best 3-4 end on the board. He is a high-motor guy with excellent quickness. He will need some time to adapt to the 3-4, as he was a DT in college. Too athletic to pass on in round three. Green Bay loves the big ten! | - |
| 74 | |
Xavier Fulton, Illinois, OT | Athletic tackle with good feet. Fulton drops due to injury concerns, but will add much needed depth at tackle for San Francisco. | - |
| 75 | |
Trevor Canfield, Cincinatti, G | Big physical guard with a mean streak. Canfield will try to fill the void left by Derrick Dockery's departure. | 29 |
| 76 | |
Mark Parson, Ohio, CB | Trade from N.O.: Parson is an under-the-radar guy with big upside. He has excellent cover skills and is a sure tackler. Absolute need pick. | - |
| 77 | |
Chris Baker, Hampton, DT | Imposing and athletic physical speciman who ran just over five flat in the forty and jumped over 35 inches...at a mere 328 lbs. He will instantly improve Houston's run defense. His stock is still rising, I'm sure. | - |
| 78 | |
Kraig Urbik, Wisconsin, G | LT may have lost a step, but interior line play is why he has been less productive. Urbik is a steal at 78, and will immediately add at least .2 to LT's average per carry all by himself. | - |
| 79 | |
Lawrence Sidbury, Richmond, OLB | Raw talent with all the tangibles. Very fast off the edge but will need lots of work on technique. | - |
| 80 | |
Danell Ellerbe, Georgia, ILB | An excellent tackler who will provide athleticim and versatility. Injury concerns have him sliding, but lack of quality inside backers keep him in round three. | - |
| 81 | |
Jarron Gilbert, San Diego St., DT | A truly amazing speciman. At 6'5" and 288 lbs, he ran a 4.87 at the combine. Obviously, he'll need to add about 20 lbs to be an every down player in the NFL, but that will happen by the end of this year. Huge upside and should be drafted higher. | - |
| 82 | |
Travis Beckum, Wisconsin, TE | Trade from Dallas: A need pick here. Beckum will be a solid NFL tight end and, like most of Detroit's draft picks, he should start right away. | - |
| 83 | |
Asher Allen, Georgia, CB | Trade from NYJ: A good hitter and zone coverage guy. Could have gone much higher had his 40 time been better. Has experience as a returner also. | - |
| 84 | |
Sherrod Martin, Troy State, S | Mike Brown in done. Martin is another smal school guy with lots of ability. He is a hitter and has that big play ability that Brown had is his prime. | - |
| 85 | |
Jonathan Luigs, Arkansas, C | Extremely high value pick. The deep and highly talented center class bears fruit in the third round for the Eagles. What a steal! There will be several instances like this in April, due to the overall depth of this draft. | 23 |
| 86 | |
Louis Murphy, Florida, WR | Very fast receiver with good size. I actually think he's a more polished receiver than his Florida teammate Percy Harvin. Excellent value at 86. Several receivers slid. None farther than Murphy. Minnesota's gain. | 47 |
| 87 | |
Pat White, West Virginia, WR/QB | Miami should finally be able to choose one of its two young quarterbacks, to go along with Chad Pennington, and let everyone else go. Pat White is a capable #3 quarterback who will maintain a "day job" as a wideout. Do I have to mention the Wildcat possibilities? Good receiver and save a roster spot. Good pick Bill! | - |
| 88 | |
Tyrone McKenzie, South Florida, OLB | McKenzie is a ferocious and intense player who is very versatile. The Ravens need depth at LB and McKenzie can play three different roles in their scheme. | 27 |
| 89 | |
Darry Beckwith, LSU, ILB | Tenacious heavy hitter. New England needs youth at depth at linebacker. In a couple years Becwith will make an excellent tandem with Jarod Mayo. | - |
| 90 | |
Chip Vaughn, Wake Forest, S | A very gifted athlete who was nothing but a playmaker in college. At over 220 lbs, Vaughn will replace future HOFer Lawyer Milloy. I actually have Vaughn rated as a second round pick unlike most. Great value here, if you asked me. | - |
| 91 | |
Gerald McGrath, Southern Miss, OLB | McGrath will add speed and depth the the Giants slow group of linebackers. He can play any of the three linebacker spots, but will need to add weight to be able to play every down. In a couple years, he could become a great pro. | - |
| 92 | |
Captain Munnerlyn, South Carolina, CB | A need pick here. Depth at corner is an issue for Indy, and Munnerlyn is a very talented cover corner. Some work ethic concerns have him sliding some, but the value is excellent at 92. | - |
| 93 | |
Nate Davis, Ball State, QB | Jake Delhome needs some competition to improve. If he does not, Davis will be waiting in the wings with more athleticism and a better arm. | - |
| 94 | |
Antoine Caldwell, Alabama, C
|
First team All-American, ahead of Mack, Unger, and the rest. Caldwell is an extremely intelligent technician who will eventually replace Kevin Mawae. | - |
| 95 | |
Andre Brown, NC State, RB | I think this is a steal at 95, though some have Brown going later. If you watched the Senior Bowl, you know what I'm talking about. He is a 224 lb running back who can catch, block, and run. Had he played at Georgia, he'd easily be a first round back. Great for the Cards offense. | - |
| 96 | |
A.Q. Shipley, Penn State, C | Underrated prospect due to relatively small frame and short arms. Very intelligent player with fast motor. Great technician. | - |
Check back often for frequent changes during the free agency period. Leave your questions or comments below. I will respond to as many as I can.
Cedric Benson is still with the Bengals. He signed a 2 year contract recently
Alex Grigsby…I did see the Benson signing. I still believe that Greene in round three is a steal for that team. I don’t see Benson being a productive “workhorse” back. He has never been that. I don’t think he miraculously changes in his fifth season. Greene, if given an opportunity to compete for the starting job, will win the job. If Cincinatti drafts him, worst case scenario, he is the starter by mid season.
I’m not sure how I feel about Detroit even trying to bring Cutler here. He seems to be a whiny self-centered baby, we don’t need that regardless of talent level.
I hope to see the draft play out like:
1A Smith or Monroe
1B Jerry or Jackson
2 Ron Brace (or perhaps T.Taylor in rd3?)
I’d like to see them hang onto all their draft picks, especially since they have no roudn 4 or 5 selctions. After the Peterson trade those top 5 are really the only ones likely to impact the starting lineup.
Looks to me like they are doing what they ought to: signing veterans to 1 or 2 year deals to fill some gaps for now and provide leadership, with a view to revamping the whole lineup over the next couple years. I think it’s going well so far, as well as anybody could have expected out of Lions management at any rate.
Oops, messed up in that last post…meant that if Jerry isn’t there they could take Tyson Jackson or even Michael Johnson. Wouldn’t need Brace if they get Peria in the first.
check out the latest mock draft
http://www.totalprosports.com/blog/index.php/2009/03/2009-nfl-mock-draft-5/
“Their strategy, from what I’ve gathered at this stage, seems to be less about winning than it does about keeping the fans interested. Matt Stafford will look better and generate more interest on a billboard than Jason Smith will. It’s a PR/marketing move more than anything, but all indications point to that being the reality of the situation”
If the above is true then the selection of Matt Stafford would be the “WORST” thing
the Lions could do. Do some research about Detriot fans’ and you will find the over whelming majority DO NOT WANT Stafford. We want the Defense improved first then the OL. Wait until next year for a QB.
DetroitSteve…Please check out our newest draft update. In the meantime, I appreciate your comments but simply don’t buy it. I’ve talked to many Lions fans in many different forums. As many want Stafford, if not more, than want an offensive tackle at number one. It’s irrellivent anyway because I wasn’t actually referring to a “Lions fan pole” showing that they want a quarterback. I was referring to the fact that revenues ALWAYS go up when a team selects and starts a first round quarterback. I’ve noticed that the Ford family treats their franchise less like an institution and more like a cash cow. They are not interested in spending money to win. They will only spend it if it will allow them to become more profitable, winning aside. It’s a short-term approach to doing business that reduces the risk while maximizing profitability. Long term growth and success is sacrificed to obtain the profits now. It’s just an observation; an objective assessment. I don’t claim to know it all or to have all the answers.
At the end of the day, I agree with your assessment of the team needs and my latest mock has Detroit taking four linemen (2 offense–1 tackle, 1 guard, and 2 defense–1 tackle, 1 end) within their first five picks. I just don’t agree that Detroit will go in the direction we’d like.