Stafford to Lions with the first pick, what do you guys think?

I think it's a great pick, he really does have some great mechanics in the pocket and makes quick decisions, he's gonna have to play for the lions.
 

I think it sucks

He makes bad quick decisions. I like him as a QB, I just have more concerns than good feelings about him. To pay him that kind of money with his decision making and accuracy problems... I just don't see it.

He can't help the lions this season, so basically he will have a wasted year. 3 QBs come out next year in Mccoy, Bradford, and Tim Tebow, all of which could show to be way better than stafford who came out this year. Also, Stafford came from a simple system, and will have to learn a much more complex pro scheme. Even though its the lions, they actually have a real offensive coordinator this year, and a real coach. The only thing that is iffy is the new president, and the current owner.

I wanted Aaron curry, to create the most dominate linebackers in the NFC north, possibly NFL. He would have came in and made an immediate impact. Now I have to hope we can get maualuga...

PS: I have a feeling this will turn out more like Eli manning... where he does bad for a few years before finally being a decent QB... YAY for Detroit!
 

He can't help the Lions this season? Jesus couldn't help the Lions this season. They need about 10 #1 picks to become a playoff team.

Tebow may be able to play in the NFL, but comparing him to Stafford is silly. The Lions made the right pick, I agree the pay is a tough pill to swallow, but that's how it works these days.

They already have a great WR, and they needed someone to throw him the ball. They can't wait until next year because you don't know what will happen.
 

I don't want them to be a playoff team next year, I just want them to be competitive and win some games next year. To do that, they need to pick players that can help them now, rather than players who can help them in a year or 2, or 3.

I am actually happy with the picks they've made this year, including stafford... I just wish that particular QB didnt come with such a price tag, when he has a lot more problems than a lot of QBs with hefty price tags. He isn't pro ready, unlike sanchez who played in a pro style offense.



I picked out a few QBs that will be coming in next year, and Tim Tebow is certainly a player who would have been compared to stafford, had stafford been in the draft next year, or had tebow came in this year. Tebow has the extra attack similar to what stanton had, yet never got a chance to show off. Tebow also is pretty accurate and throws his share of TD passes as well. They are definitely comparable, with tebow having the edge because of his running attack, imo. Staffard has a stronger arm, and better passing mechanics.

I agree 100%, however, I think Culpepper could last us a couple years, or longer. Last year he came in 292 pounds and very over weight, but now he is not only 30 pounds lighter, but also reunited with his old offensive coordinator.

You don't ever know what will happen... You can't simply make a decision out of fear you don't know what will happen.

They needed far more defensive needs than offensive needs this year, which is why I would have preferred curry to stafford this year. However, none of that matters now, as its over and done with. I just hope the lions can pick up some defensive help next year.

I'm very happy with the selection of Stafford, Pettigrew, and Delma's. They picked the #1 QB in the draft, the #1 TE in the draft, and the #1 Safety in the draft. I consider that a pretty good start. If they can get top players at 3 different defensive positions next year, they will possibly be a good team after next years draft, if all these players actually turn out to be good players in the nfl. I think their offense is pretty good now, its the defense that needs a lot more work.
 

Da Bears
 

For the most part I agree with you Santrega about the Lions, except that you still need to update to the fiercer looking logo. ;p In terms of Stafford, I'll be the first to admit i'm not 100% sold on him, but I was much higher of Stafford than I was of Sanchez. Stafford was a little more battle tested in my mind playing against some of the SEC defenses compared to the "high quality" of defensive play that is showcased in the Pac-10. Stafford's offense at Georgia was also more on the order of a Pro System than that of a hybrid spread as well.

When I saw that the Lions drafted Pettigrew, my first thought was "that's actually not a bad pick, despite the fact that I hadn't even really considered it." Michigan football made a living on an offense that was very controlled and that would have a highly effective possession TE that could make those key catches to keep drives moving. Pettigrew is a good blocking TE and also is a good possession pass catcher with a bit of speed. It's a good safety valve pick and I can't remember the last time the Lions had a TE worth anything. It's not a pick that is going to make a lot of people really happy because it isn't a "sexy" pick.

Delmas is a big hitting Safety, although from what I remember at his time at WMU was that he was a bit undisciplined. Regardless though, he was rated the #1 safety and I think he was a logical fit.

I don't think the Lions though are anywhere close to compete quite yet.(Not like this is surprising) They have weapons but they don't have an Offensive Line still worth protecting Culpepper or Stafford. We'll see though. Overall though, it was a decent draft.

I would just like it to be noted that EMU had a player selected before any U of M players in this year's draft. In addition, T.J. Lang was selected by the Green Bay Packers, so Erwin now has a better appreciation of EMU.
 

Well, I don't believe their offense is lacking anything. If Lydon Murtha (T) isn't a good pick, then I'd say the O-Line is still not complete.

However, I think this lions is a different front office than the previous lions. They actually made intelligent decisions and was 1 pick away from getting Javon Ringer in the 6th round.

Even though I didn't like the pick of stafford, I hope he does well, and I hope he has enough weapons to work with to be successful. D.Williams (WR) from penn state should be good for special teams and as a 3rd WR, and with pettigrew and Kevin Smith, we should be a much better team next year offensively.

The problem is, our defense will still be ranked 25th+ in the league, and we'll lose another 10-12 games next year.
 

Obviously the quality of the draft this year is light years better than that of the Millen drafts. Sheesh, no need to question that one there. I agree completely with you that the Lions have all of the pieces on offense, I'm not questioning that. However, the key to having that offense run the way that it should is by protecting your QB and having the QB make smart decisions. I'm still not sold on the offensive line despite their pick of Murtha. I'm also not sold on Culpepper being an effective QB either despite the fact that he looks great in practice. After all, I think if we had an offensive line worth anything, I'd be much more apt to take a shot with Stafford and see what he can do next year. You really trust that unit that much?

Perhaps Schwartz thinks he can work with the defensive players that he has to make them better. I'm not sure. You do have to remember that the Lions did get a series of players through their trades in the off season and they all were focused on the defensive end. But yeah, you're definitely right the Lions didn't improve their defense really enough this year to make a huge impact through the draft.

The offense has the potential to be really good. However, I'm not sold at the two key areas that can really disrupt this potential.

I'm there with you in terms of their season too. We'll see.

P.S. Nice avatar. :P
 

Yeah SD, you have to basically acknowledge that even a great future QB will blow must of his first year. So... do you do it now or later?
 

Matt Ryan pretty much proves that theory wrong. I guess if you are thinking in terms of most rookie QBs, then maybe you are right, but most rookies never get the chance to play because of coaches not putting them in. Matt Ryan showed the NFL coaches around the league that rookies can be good QBs in pro football. I think more rookies should get a chance to play...

It's possible stafford is even better than he showed because of their offense being so centered around Moreno, and it being such a simple offense. He could end up being better than Ryan.

We'll see what happens... I trust Schwartz and his ability to evaluate talent...

PS: Check this guy out



Word is that the lions picked him up as a free agent rookie.. His name is Daniel Holtzclaw (MLB) from Eastern Michigan.
 

No, he doesn't, and yes of course I'm right.

Matt Ryan put together a good year for a rookie quarterback. Despite some sportswriters jerking off to his picture, he only had an average year as a QB. The Falcons covered up his flaws by using him very sparingly. (Sidenote: Flaws that got ripped open during the playoffs) There's nothing wrong with that, but please god, don't tell me this guy is a superstar QB (right now).
 

He was 13th in the league, are you trying to tell me 19 other teams also had rookie QBs, including Big Ben and Eli Manning?

I never said he was a super star QB, but there is no way in hell you can say Matt Ryan sucked most of the year. You can't suck and end up with better numbers than one of the top 6 QBs aka Big Ben.

Atlanta didn't lose because of Matt Ryan in the playoffs, they lost because they had one of the worst defenses in the league. They actually made the playoffs because of their scoring, behind Ryan and Michael Turner. Defense wins championships, not offense. Ask patriot fans... Or more recently Cardinal fans...

Now, since you brought it up... Matt Ryan was trying to pick up the slack from Turner in the game against the cards. 42 yards on 18 carries, and its Matt Ryan's fault they lost the game? 199 Yards 2 TDs and 2 Int's compared to Kurt Warners 271 yards, 2 TDs and 1 int... And Matt Ryan did a poor job in the game? 80 Yards less than a Pro Bowl Veteran QB, with an extra int in his first playoff game?

Last but not least, the falcons D gave up 30 points and 350 yards in that game, which is the real reason the falcons lost in the playoffs.

I'm not saying Matt Ryan is an amazing QB, but he certainly didn't suck most of the season, and I think it's even a stretch to say he had an average season, with over 3400 yards and 16 TDs vs 11 INTs.
 

It sounds like you two are in general agreement: "Matt Ryan put together a good year for a rookie QB." If you can get past the emotion tone of each other's posts, you might see that. You also both seem to be in agreement that 199 Yards 2 TDs and 2 Int is not "amazing" or "superstar," especially in a clutch playoff situation. See now? What are you arguing about then? Nothing.
 

The day I thought a BF NFL Draft thread would be highlighted with a Youtube video of an Eastern Michigan Player was a day I'd never see. I'll just reiterate what I told Santrega about him. He was by far EMU's best defensive player, a solid middle linebacker that was a sure tackler. He wasn't a very flashy player, but he was highly respected by the EMU defense and was a solid player for EMU. That's not to say he didn't make some really nice plays for us over the years, he's definitely worth a shot.

In terms of the use of Stafford, if I really had a good answer for what the best way to utilize him, I think I could make some money coaching in the NFL. Ryan and Flacco the two rookie QB's that last year came into the league and made their mark came into the league in perfect situations where they had teams that didn't make the QB the player the centerpiece of the offense. Instead the QB was there to make a few smart throws, and not screw up ala Big Ben in Pittsburgh. That luxury isn't there in Detroit. However, honestly how much does a player though learn by sitting there and watching too? It's sort of like in SC, sure you can learn all you want about the theory but you have to get out there and try it. Sure you run a lot of risks by blowing his confidence too. It's a tough call. I think I'd take a chance with him over Culpepper personally though. It's not like the Lions being set back another 5-10 years is really anything new for them if it doesn't work out.. lol.

I was mildly surprised about Holtzclaw not getting drafted in the 7th round though. Hopefully he'll make a mark with the Lions. I really wish all the best for him.
 

That'd be cool if I could do 40 reps with 225 lbs too...

What's his 40, I couldn't tell, like a 4.4?

I will be watching him. I can't wait for the day that Lions build a decent team.
 

When the Lions go 9-7 or better, I'll change my avatar on BF to something Detroit Lions based. Otherwise, we'll all just have to keep looking at the Convocation Center, which is an awesome building on EMU's campus.

To keep things a bit on track, a bit more about the two EMU players drafted:
http://macreportonline.com/index.php...day-drama.html
http://www.packers.com/news/stories/2009/04/26/1/
-SpaceDominator
 

I said he had a good year for a rookie QB. He had an average year for someone with a little more experience. Pizza's right, you're arguing with no one.

One guy not playing horribly doesn't mean rookie QBs aren't mostly going to give you a shitty performance.

Post edited to be less of a douche.