And with the #1 Pick in the Arrowhead Pride Mock Draft, the Detroit Lions Select...
by Chris Thorman on Mar 10, 2009 11:36 AM CDT
in 2009 AP Mock Draft
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PrintSince UCrawford is heading out of town this week, he wanted to get his pick posted before he left so he could get in on the debate. The rest of the AP Mock draft will start next Monday with the #2 pick. Until then, watch out for a post about how this is all going to go down (Here is that post). UC's first post is an excellent example of the quality you should be sending in. -Chris
(The Lions fans I talked to at Pride of Detroit convinced me that the Lions were more likely to select Curry than Stafford…I think this will probably piss off a huge number of commenters who had Curry already in Chiefs red).
Wake Forest LB Aaron Curry
["Defense wins championships"]
It's been a dark decade in Detroit for football. Plagued by quite possibly the worst general manager in the history of the NFL, the much despised Matt Millen, and one of the most autocratic and incompetent owners (William Clay Ford) Detroit's Lions have been the epitome of a poorly run franchise. Bad drafts, bad trades, bad coaching, bad philosophies...all have contributed to a team that has averaged less than five wins a season for the last nine years (culminating in the NFL's only 0-16 season in 2008) and that hasn't won a championship in over half a century...despite fielding several players whose names are or should be enshrined in Canton. Barry Sanders, Billy Sims, Chris Spielman, Herman Moore, Alex Karras...none of them, even with their considerable talent, could push Detroit over the hump to respectability.
But things are different this year in Detroit, or so the despondent Lions fans hope. For the first time in recent memory the Lions cleaned house...out went the GM, head coach and most of the staff. To replace them came Martin Mayhew, a young GM who Hall of Fame general manager Bill Polian tabbed as a rising star of front office executives, and head coach Jim Schwartz, the architect of the stifling Tennessee Titans defense of 2008. And with them, Lions fans pray, comes an end to the inertia and futility that has plagued the Lions franchise for a generation.
The moves the franchise has made this last year already give some reason for hope for the team. The Lions traded an injured, ineffective and disgruntled (and soon to be free agent) wide receiver, Roy Williams, to the desperate Dallas Cowboys for two draft picks (including Dallas first-rounder). They traded the ineffective (and likely to be waived) former starting QB Jon Kitna to the Cowboys for much needed starting cornerback Anthony Henry. They upgraded the defense with free agent signees Grady Jackson, Eric King, and Phillip Buchanon. They upgraded the offense with WR Bryant Johnson and backup RB Maurice Morris. And now it's time for their draft.
Conventional wisdom is that the Lions will be selecting Matt Stafford with this pick. After all, the Lions offense features All-Universe wide receiver Calvin "Megatron" Johnson and the only guys the Lions have to throw to him are Daunte Culpepper (and his bad knee) and 2007 2nd rounder Drew Stanton (a bust so far). Stafford is the star of a weak 2009 draft class. He's got a live arm, he's got three years worth of starts at a premier school (Georgia) and he's expressed his willingness to come to Detroit and help them build a winner...to be the first franchise quarterback for the team since they traded away Bobby Layne 51 years ago. This pick is such a no-brainer in the minds of many draftniks that Stafford might as well start shopping for houses in Detroit's bargain real estate market.
But those draftniks likely haven't talked to many Detroit Lions fans, and they probably don't know their Lions history because the hunt for a franchise QB to run a high-powered offense has played itself out before for Detroit...several times. Seven years ago the Lions selected uber-bust John Joseph "Joey" Harrington from Oregon to lead their team. Harrington had the same tools as Stafford...a live arm, a good school (Oregon) in a prestigious conference (Pac-10) and all the hype, and a reputation for shaky accuracy. He went nowhere. Neither did Andre Ware (#7 pick, 1990), or Scott Mitchell (heralded free agent), or Dan Orlovsky, or Mike McMahon, or Charlie Batch, or Erik Kramer, or Rodney Peete. None of the quarterbacks the Lions have brought in (several of them very capable) were able to bring the Detroit Lions close to winning a championship. And the reason for that is simple...because in the last 20 years, despite fielding some very potent offenses, the Lions have fielded exactly one top ten defense for points allowed...in 1997 (when the team went 9-7). Most of the rest of those teams had defenses that were firmly mired in the bottom half of the NFL, along with the Lions franchise (who've gotten to double digit wins only three times in that span).
"Defense wins championships" as the old adage goes...an adage that rings especially true in the brutal winters of the NFC North. And that's why this team, run by defense-obsessed head coach Jim Schwartz and former cornerback Martin Mayhew will attempt to break the cycle of Lions futility by going defense with their first pick, and will draft Wake Forest linebacker Aaron Curry to replenish their underachieving and undersized linebacking corps. They'll turn Curry over to former Chiefs defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham in the hopes of replicating Cunningham's magic with the 1990s Chiefs' defenses and Hall of Fame linebacker Derrick Thomas. And instead of trying to win by beating the Curse of Bobby Layne, the Lions will try to win by following in the footsteps of other dominant NFC North teams...with a crushing defense led by dominant players. And with Curry and incumbent linebacker Ernie Sims leading the way, the Lions will start their journey back to respectability.
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Man...
The formatting looks weird when transferred from my e-mail.
Predictions for 2009
1. Todd Haley's going to struggle with managing his staff in his rookie year as head coach.
2. The Lions will draft Matt Stafford, the Rams will draft Jason Smith, and the Chiefs will draft either Aaron Curry or Eugene Monroe.
Much Better
Predictions for 2009
1. Todd Haley's going to struggle with managing his staff in his rookie year as head coach.
2. The Lions will draft Matt Stafford, the Rams will draft Jason Smith, and the Chiefs will draft either Aaron Curry or Eugene Monroe.
aaron curry
most likely will go number one once the hype of the media gets to him all the guy has to do is be likable and he will go number one in my opinion his tape dont like the guy is a beast and detroit will take him.
FOUR F'S FIND UM FEEL UM FUGUM FORGET UM.
For QB
I wouldn’t be shocked to see the Lions draft one later down the list. Maybe Sanchez if he falls that far.
Predictions for 2009
1. Todd Haley's going to struggle with managing his staff in his rookie year as head coach.
2. The Lions will draft Matt Stafford, the Rams will draft Jason Smith, and the Chiefs will draft either Aaron Curry or Eugene Monroe.
Or Even Later
Third or fourth round possibly.
Predictions for 2009
1. Todd Haley's going to struggle with managing his staff in his rookie year as head coach.
2. The Lions will draft Matt Stafford, the Rams will draft Jason Smith, and the Chiefs will draft either Aaron Curry or Eugene Monroe.
Or trade up to get him.
Don't blame me, I voted for content of character.
by paratrooper on Mar 10, 2009 11:51 AM CDT up reply actions
I Don't Think They'll Do That
I think they’ll probably stick with their #20 pick. That team is so devoid of bodies that they need more draft picks, not fewer.
Predictions for 2009
1. Todd Haley's going to struggle with managing his staff in his rookie year as head coach.
2. The Lions will draft Matt Stafford, the Rams will draft Jason Smith, and the Chiefs will draft either Aaron Curry or Eugene Monroe.
True
So if Sanchez is gone at 20, do you think they would take the risk and grab Freeman there?
Don't blame me, I voted for content of character.
by paratrooper on Mar 10, 2009 11:54 AM CDT up reply actions
No
I don’t think so. I think they’ll see it as a reach. And if there are good defensive players or o-linemen available I think they’ll look there instead of to Freeman.
Predictions for 2009
1. Todd Haley's going to struggle with managing his staff in his rookie year as head coach.
2. The Lions will draft Matt Stafford, the Rams will draft Jason Smith, and the Chiefs will draft either Aaron Curry or Eugene Monroe.
I keep hearing frisco is taking sanchez
FOUR F'S FIND UM FEEL UM FUGUM FORGET UM.
by sexassassin on Mar 10, 2009 12:02 PM CDT up reply actions
If Stafford Falls That Far
I don’t think they’ll be taking Sanchez. But considering Hasselbeck’s recent injuries (possibly chronic bad back) I don’t see Stafford slipping past Seattle.
Predictions for 2009
1. Todd Haley's going to struggle with managing his staff in his rookie year as head coach.
2. The Lions will draft Matt Stafford, the Rams will draft Jason Smith, and the Chiefs will draft either Aaron Curry or Eugene Monroe.
Or Jacksonville
Garrard’s not young and he wasn’t all that good last year.
Predictions for 2009
1. Todd Haley's going to struggle with managing his staff in his rookie year as head coach.
2. The Lions will draft Matt Stafford, the Rams will draft Jason Smith, and the Chiefs will draft either Aaron Curry or Eugene Monroe.
I just can't see this happening
Garrard wasn’t terrible last year, and is in the 2nd year of a 6 year, $60 million dollar contract.
Cutting Garrad would be just about unheard of in the 2nd year of a deal that size, and at 31, he should have a minimum of 3 seasons left in the prime of his career. If he was outright horrible last year, maybe I could see it, but the problems with their offense wasn’t QB play, it was their OL and WR’s. I expect those two places are where they will focus in the first two rounds…assuming Monroe and Smith are gone, they’ll go WR or A. Smith or even Oher.
They also are a candidate to trade back a couple spots and try and pick up Smith or Oher between 10-15.
I Don't Think Freeman Will Go First Round
He’s a popular guy lately, but I think that’s just short-term infatuation and I think he’ll drop to second round or lower. He had his moments at K-State, but he just wasn’t that great of a QB…good enough to get drafted IMO but not good enough to be a first-round pick.
Predictions for 2009
1. Todd Haley's going to struggle with managing his staff in his rookie year as head coach.
2. The Lions will draft Matt Stafford, the Rams will draft Jason Smith, and the Chiefs will draft either Aaron Curry or Eugene Monroe.
Answered me before I could post.
Don't blame me, I voted for content of character.
by paratrooper on Mar 10, 2009 11:54 AM CDT up reply actions
Oh we will see...
I am not a fan of the One-Look Wonder that is Josh Freeman but I think people have him rated pretty high because he has just as much potential as the other two…
I Think He's Got "Tools"
But not necessarily “skills”. His decision-making was pretty questionable all through his college career.
Predictions for 2009
1. Todd Haley's going to struggle with managing his staff in his rookie year as head coach.
2. The Lions will draft Matt Stafford, the Rams will draft Jason Smith, and the Chiefs will draft either Aaron Curry or Eugene Monroe.
I have to think that you are correct.
For everbody wishing for Curry just go ahead and wave him goodbye. This makes me happy though because i want one of the top LT prospects!
Don't blame me, I voted for content of character.
So I Officially Abandon My Prediction About Matt Stafford Being The Top Pick
And say it’ll be Curry.
And best of luck to Curry, because with Gunther coaching him he’s going to need it.
Predictions for 2009
1. Todd Haley's going to struggle with managing his staff in his rookie year as head coach.
2. The Lions will draft Matt Stafford, the Rams will draft Jason Smith, and the Chiefs will draft either Aaron Curry or Eugene Monroe.
You are such a politician
For the last 6 months you’ve been talking about Stafford and in less than 48hrs. you switch to Curry ;)
Those Detroit fans got it right.
I’ve said all along they’re not taking QB.
Bill Parcell’s: "You are what your record says you are."
"My job is not to collect talent, but to build a team. Individuals make the Pro Bowl. Teams win championships. That is our goal."—Chiefs GM Scott Pioli.
You Call It Flip-Flopping
I call it “disinformation”. :)
It’s a stupid man who refuses to consider new information…the Lions fans made their case.
Predictions for 2009
1. Todd Haley's going to struggle with managing his staff in his rookie year as head coach.
2. The Lions will draft Matt Stafford, the Rams will draft Jason Smith, and the Chiefs will draft either Aaron Curry or Eugene Monroe.
LOL....I never said "flip-flopping", but since you used that term.Yes, the Lions fans....and me ;)
Bill Parcell’s: "You are what your record says you are."
"My job is not to collect talent, but to build a team. Individuals make the Pro Bowl. Teams win championships. That is our goal."—Chiefs GM Scott Pioli.
By The Way
Curry, if selected first, would be the fourth linebacker taken with the top pick in the NFL draft and the first since Auburn’s Aundray Bruce in 1988. Only one of those players (Tommy Nobis, 1965) turned out to be a good player. The other two (Bruce and Tom Cousineau were huge busts).
And in an odd bit of trivia two of them (Nobis, Bruce) were selected by the Atlanta Falcons.
Predictions for 2009
1. Todd Haley's going to struggle with managing his staff in his rookie year as head coach.
2. The Lions will draft Matt Stafford, the Rams will draft Jason Smith, and the Chiefs will draft either Aaron Curry or Eugene Monroe.
Uh, I hope I'm not expected...
to write that much about my pick. Way to set the bar too high UC, dick. :)
UC set the bar high
But the more effort you put into it, the conversation it’ll generate.
by Joel Thorman on Mar 10, 2009 12:56 PM CDT up reply actions
As The Old Saying Goes
“A rising tide lifts all ships.”
:)
Predictions for 2009
1. Todd Haley's going to struggle with managing his staff in his rookie year as head coach.
2. The Lions will draft Matt Stafford, the Rams will draft Jason Smith, and the Chiefs will draft either Aaron Curry or Eugene Monroe.
I dont know if I agree....
But anything could happen…
I could easily see it happening that Detroit takes Curry at 1, Freeman at 20 and then a RT at 33….that would give them most value for their needs unless they have Stafford rated very high….Then it might be Stafford at 1 and Cushing at 20
Ahhhhh yes, i think he is....
hmmmm….that makes it interesting because i have heard from Lions fans that they are fond of Backus as well…i dont know…
Lions fan here
Yeah Gosder’s our starting RT
Backus is an underperforming LT, but he’s on a big-money long-term deal (Thanks, Millen!), so we can’t really cut him now for cap reasons.
He’ll probably start at LT for at least one more season, unless we take a LT at #1, then Backus would likely slide to Guard (where he’ll get overpowered by DT’s instead of getting beat by speed-rushers) for a year.
But I think we’re more likely to take Curry at #1
Gotta think they'll build in the trenches.
Don’t have enough knowledge about it but it seems like they have no O-line or D-line. Whatever left tackle they like the best they’ll probably take.
Not saying that Curry isn’t an exceptional talent, #1 overall on a lot of boards, but they need an anchor on either line to build from.
They already have a good LT...
They just dont have anything else on the line…
I suppose they could move him to RT if they wanted, that is possible….
right on
like i said, don’t have enough knowledge about it
by Chief Crazy on Mar 10, 2009 11:59 AM CDT up reply actions
Yea...
Me neither….cuz anything could happen with Detroit this year…
I imagine they will negotiate before the draft and whoever they can get the best deal with they could take…
Similar to us...
Anyone that high will help.
by Chief Crazy on Mar 10, 2009 12:02 PM CDT up reply actions
The Lions Fans At POD
All said that they thought the Lions would look to build an infrastructure around the QB before they selected a QB. Line and defense. And the GM and head coach are both players whose experience would seem to indicate that they like defense before offense. Mayhew was a cornerback, Schwartz was a DC who loved linebackers, and we all know how Gunther prizes linebackers (even if he does a shit job of coaching them).
Predictions for 2009
1. Todd Haley's going to struggle with managing his staff in his rookie year as head coach.
2. The Lions will draft Matt Stafford, the Rams will draft Jason Smith, and the Chiefs will draft either Aaron Curry or Eugene Monroe.
Makes sense
Next year’s crop of QBs are the ones you use for a franchise building block. This year’s offerings are junk.
by chiefstatnut on Mar 10, 2009 12:08 PM CDT up reply actions
Not Necessarily Junk
But their odds of being franchise guys are a little dodgy.
Predictions for 2009
1. Todd Haley's going to struggle with managing his staff in his rookie year as head coach.
2. The Lions will draft Matt Stafford, the Rams will draft Jason Smith, and the Chiefs will draft either Aaron Curry or Eugene Monroe.
Detroit has a mediocre-at-best LT and a solid young RT
But this is probably not the year to get a new LT because Jeff Backus is on a long-term contract. More reason Curry is the #1 pick likely.
Stafford should have worked out
I’ve said this before, Stafford and his agent screwed the pooch by not working out at the combine or taking place in any real pre-draft evaluations. Normally the top-ranked QB can only be hurt by taking part, but since there is such a large gap between Stafford and any other QB this year and since not everybody was sold on him, he could have helped himself tremendously with a good workout. Yes, he could have hurt his stock with a bad workout, but because he didn’t put anybody’s concerns to bed he has now fallen out of top 3 contention. He should fire his agent.
Where will he go now
So, Detroit doesn’t look interested in Stafford, St. Louis will likely take a tackle, our pick will be anything but QB, I don’t think Seattle will want the headache of a QB controversy (but they might take a gamble), The Browns are heavily invested in the QBs they have, Bengals don’t want to piss of Palmer, and the Raiders are in debt to pay for Russell. I think Stafford may fall to Jacksonville at number 8. That’s a big loss in money.
by Chiefs4Life on Mar 10, 2009 12:03 PM CDT up reply actions
It Won't Be A Controversy In Seattle
At least not in year one. Hasselbeck’s the starter and Stafford’s on the bench. But Hasselbeck’s getting old and now’s the time to find a replacement.
Predictions for 2009
1. Todd Haley's going to struggle with managing his staff in his rookie year as head coach.
2. The Lions will draft Matt Stafford, the Rams will draft Jason Smith, and the Chiefs will draft either Aaron Curry or Eugene Monroe.
That is my big hope
that we can sell the idea Stafford wouldn’t make it past Seattle. That puts us in perfect position to use him as trade-bait. A team like San Fran might take us up on the prospect of trading to get a young QB with a lot of talent, especially if we let them know they can have it for a little less than trade-chart value. I’m talking trading 1st rounders and picking up their 2nd rounder this year or 1st rounder next year. If SF thinks he’ll make it past Seattle, they will wait to make the trade with Cleveland before Jacksonville picks.
Nobody will care that Stafford didn't work out at the combine after his Pro Day
It’s a big deal to Combine junkies but nobody in the NFL really cares. They will get to see him throw at his pro day and will be able to make a decision from there.
The Lions won’t take him because of their history as UC very accurately pointed out. It really doesn’t mean at all that they don’t think he will be a good QB.
I think Seattle is a very likely place for Stafford to end up. Hasselbeck is getting to his limit and unless they want to go OT, there really isn’t another player there that is worth the pick anyway.
Maybe
but I was pointing out the fact that Stafford was once considered a no-brainer as the #1 pick but now we’re talking about him sliding to at least the #4 and possibly lower. He’s just been out of eyesight of the evaluators (or at least us self-determined pundits and draftniks). His drop in stock in the collective conscience could correspond to losing millions of dollars. At least a strong showing at the combine could have generated the kind of buzz for him it did for Sanchez.
Reality has absolutely nothing to do with what the draftniks predict
I’ve been saying for months the Lions aren’t going to draft a QB #1 overall and it has nothing to do with the ability of the prospects out there and EVERYTHING to do with Lions history. So it doesn’t matter if Stafford threw or didn’t throw at the combine because even if he had and done spectacularly the Lions most likely just aren’t taking a QB.
So regardless of where the pundits had Stafford ranked a month ago, the reality is quite likely he was never going to be a #1 pick and since Pioli came to KC with an eye for Cassell, he likely was never going to go #3 either.
Potentially I suppose, yea...
Some think Jacksonville would take him if they had the opportunity…
Also, if the Packers were smart they could leverage a trade at 9 with a QB Needy team.
I Don't Think He'll Make It Past Jacksonville
Garrard had a rough year and he’s getting old. I’m pretty sure Seattle will grab him, though.
Predictions for 2009
1. Todd Haley's going to struggle with managing his staff in his rookie year as head coach.
2. The Lions will draft Matt Stafford, the Rams will draft Jason Smith, and the Chiefs will draft either Aaron Curry or Eugene Monroe.
Yeah I don't think Stafford will make it that far
It’d be interesting to see if they’d consider Mark Sanchez
by Joel Thorman on Mar 10, 2009 12:44 PM CDT up reply actions
I may be silly
but I think with the way SF played down the stretch with Shaun Hill, i think with 10 they’ll go Macklin. The OL isnt terrible and defense is eh but the offense would look really good @ the skilled positions and kinda like Dallas did in the early 90s Frank Gore RB Vernon Daivs TE and Macklin WR, coach correctly be Smith Novacek and Irvin all over again.
When deep space exploration ramps up, it'll be the corporations that name everything, the IBM Stellar Sphere, the Microsoft Galaxy, Planet Starbucks.
I'd be fine with 9-7 or 10-6 and competiting for the divsion title
i think san fran goes sanchez or they go online they need to protect that running game
and the qb
FOUR F'S FIND UM FEEL UM FUGUM FORGET UM.
by sexassassin on Mar 10, 2009 12:22 PM CDT up reply actions
that means sanchez is dropping out of the universe haahh cuz if stafford drops to san fran geez who would take sanchez
FOUR F'S FIND UM FEEL UM FUGUM FORGET UM.
exactly saint we are stacked at qb now
FOUR F'S FIND UM FEEL UM FUGUM FORGET UM.
by sexassassin on Mar 10, 2009 12:08 PM CDT up reply actions
i know i hope
we can some how get that back but i dont know i think pioli is going to have to call the goodfellas for that one.
FOUR F'S FIND UM FEEL UM FUGUM FORGET UM.
by sexassassin on Mar 10, 2009 12:14 PM CDT up reply actions
Seriously
Linebackers are easy to find in the draft that’s why in the NFL you have starters that were once 3-5th round picks. The Lions have two firsts in a tackle heavy draft. I’d go Stafford then William Beaty or Ebon Britton with the second first rounder. This would solidify the offensive side of the ball, a first round OT will make Detroits line look a lot better. Then they could use the rest of the draft to focus on their D we’ve got a pretty solid crop of linebackers rolling in this draft.
Time is a great teacher... unfortunately it kills all it's pupils.
The Three Most Prominent Decision Makers In That Organization
Are all defensive-minded. And Detroit has a linebacking corps that was probably as bad as or worse than ours. I don’t think they’ll take Stafford.
Predictions for 2009
1. Todd Haley's going to struggle with managing his staff in his rookie year as head coach.
2. The Lions will draft Matt Stafford, the Rams will draft Jason Smith, and the Chiefs will draft either Aaron Curry or Eugene Monroe.
Still
most defensive minds go Offense in the first right?? Or at least that’s what I’ve heard.. They’ve got Ernie Simms, that instantly makes their linebackers better than ours because they have a starter they know should be starting as opposed to us with DJ.
Time is a great teacher... unfortunately it kills all it's pupils.
Ernie Sims Had A Bad Year
Shoulder issues…probably more ineffective than Derrick Johnson. Jordan Dizon was a bust and Patrick Lenon is gone so they’ve got no one to man the other positions. Plus their linebackers except for Sims are all small guys with questionable ability. They have to address the front seven if they want a respectable defense and Curry’s the highest rated defensive player in the front seven.
Predictions for 2009
1. Todd Haley's going to struggle with managing his staff in his rookie year as head coach.
2. The Lions will draft Matt Stafford, the Rams will draft Jason Smith, and the Chiefs will draft either Aaron Curry or Eugene Monroe.
Actually
I think that if the Lions draft Curry and turn him over to Gun, that Curry’s chances of turning into a bust increase a lot. Gunther loves linebackers before they come play for him, then hates them once he’s gotten them and can’t get results…and it’s never his fault that so many of his players don’t perform to expectations.
Predictions for 2009
1. Todd Haley's going to struggle with managing his staff in his rookie year as head coach.
2. The Lions will draft Matt Stafford, the Rams will draft Jason Smith, and the Chiefs will draft either Aaron Curry or Eugene Monroe.
I Got It :)
Predictions for 2009
1. Todd Haley's going to struggle with managing his staff in his rookie year as head coach.
2. The Lions will draft Matt Stafford, the Rams will draft Jason Smith, and the Chiefs will draft either Aaron Curry or Eugene Monroe.
i wish gun worked with some of the girls
i work with jeeeez that guy would have these girls wipped in shape real quick
FOUR F'S FIND UM FEEL UM FUGUM FORGET UM.
by sexassassin on Mar 10, 2009 12:23 PM CDT up reply actions
You're working the BDSM niche? ;-)
Cassel vs. Thigpen in Camp should improve the play of both.
Next on the need list: linebacker, and both lines
by Bleedingredandgold on Mar 10, 2009 12:30 PM CDT up reply actions
bleeding red and gold
?? what????
FOUR F'S FIND UM FEEL UM FUGUM FORGET UM.
by sexassassin on Mar 10, 2009 12:47 PM CDT up reply actions
"girls whipped into shape", Sex
“It’s a joke, son!”
- F. Leghorn
Cassel vs. Thigpen in Camp should improve the play of both.
Next on the need list: linebacker, and both lines
by Bleedingredandgold on Mar 10, 2009 1:28 PM CDT up reply actions
I hope they do take Curry...
I don’t think he’ll live up to the hype.
All I have to say is "Thank you, Clark."
I dont think LB gives you that much value for the #1 overall pick...
Like someone said earlier, LB’s are much easier to find later in the draft than QB’s or LT’s
Does him being a linebacker matter...
Like UCrawford stated, it’s been many years since a linebacker was taken that high in the draft. I remember earlier discussions where people were doubtfull the Chiefs would take Curry at number 3 because he is a linebacker. Now it seems like it would be a steal if he dropped to us… what gives?
It Varies From Year To Year
Linebackers are rarely the top pick in the draft, but it has happened before. And before I didn’t take into account the defensive bent of the current Lions management.
Predictions for 2009
1. Todd Haley's going to struggle with managing his staff in his rookie year as head coach.
2. The Lions will draft Matt Stafford, the Rams will draft Jason Smith, and the Chiefs will draft either Aaron Curry or Eugene Monroe.
Am I?
Gunther was Schwartz’ and Mayhew’s first choice as DC. They wanted him to come in and rebuild the defense. And we all know that Gunther thinks linebackers are the key. I think they’ll defer to Gunther on this one and give him Curry.
I’m not saying, by the way, that it will work out…with Gunther in charge, I think Curry will be a disappointment because I think Gunther’s a terrible coach.
Predictions for 2009
1. Todd Haley's going to struggle with managing his staff in his rookie year as head coach.
2. The Lions will draft Matt Stafford, the Rams will draft Jason Smith, and the Chiefs will draft either Aaron Curry or Eugene Monroe.
Well...
The majority of coaches and GM’s have played a position that you would think would make them favor a side and they don’t….
We will seeeeee
True Enough
Tony Dungy was a defensive guy but he favored offense in Indy. Of course, his GM Bill Polian always liked good offensive teams so there was some differing input.
Predictions for 2009
1. Todd Haley's going to struggle with managing his staff in his rookie year as head coach.
2. The Lions will draft Matt Stafford, the Rams will draft Jason Smith, and the Chiefs will draft either Aaron Curry or Eugene Monroe.
Is Gun trying to
Do the DC/LB coach thing again? If not, is the LB coach any good?
Cassel vs. Thigpen in Camp should improve the play of both.
Next on the need list: linebacker, and both lines
by Bleedingredandgold on Mar 10, 2009 12:31 PM CDT up reply actions
if i was the lions i go online in the first
d stud with 20th and a center in the second and their oline would be looking good and they would have a good defender and then draft a qb next year.
FOUR F'S FIND UM FEEL UM FUGUM FORGET UM.
that makes more sense b/c they hv a LT
@ 20 they could pick up a damn good RT and in the 2nd get Mack, Unger whichever the best interior lineman is left and OL and LB corps is upgraded w/ the first 3 picks.
When deep space exploration ramps up, it'll be the corporations that name everything, the IBM Stellar Sphere, the Microsoft Galaxy, Planet Starbucks.
I'd be fine with 9-7 or 10-6 and competiting for the divsion title
Lions fan here...Detroit already has a RT
We spent our first-rounder on Cherilus last year; he’s our RT no question.
Alex Mack won’t last to the second round, but I’m really hoping for him at #20.
pick #33 will probably be best player available since we have so many holes.
I don’t think we’ll take a Left Tackle unless it’s Jason Smith or Monroe at #1 since we’re stuck with Jeff Backus on contract for a while.
Would jump in celebration if this takes place.
Detroit by taking a LB at #1 would prove that no matter who is in charge incompetence will always plague this underachieving franchise.
Well
They did hire Gunther Cunningham to run their defense after he ran a defense that set an NFL record for futility. :)
Predictions for 2009
1. Todd Haley's going to struggle with managing his staff in his rookie year as head coach.
2. The Lions will draft Matt Stafford, the Rams will draft Jason Smith, and the Chiefs will draft either Aaron Curry or Eugene Monroe.
If the best player in the draft
is a linebacker with once-in-a-decade size/speed/production, and the single biggest hole on the Lions roster is their weak, undersized LB’s, how is Aaron Curry a bad pick?
Oh, So now I am on the clock for 6 days?
I can’t take that much damn pressure!
"But what do I know, I'm AP's new assclown and I’m like an empty room with a large ECHO"
by Lanier63 on Mar 10, 2009 12:19 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
Is there any chance Detroit will go Left Tackle with the #1 pick?
Or have all the LTs dropped out of the top 3 discussion?
The Lions Fans At POD Thought Maybe
But the majority seemed to think Curry was more likely, for some of the reasons I laid out.
Predictions for 2009
1. Todd Haley's going to struggle with managing his staff in his rookie year as head coach.
2. The Lions will draft Matt Stafford, the Rams will draft Jason Smith, and the Chiefs will draft either Aaron Curry or Eugene Monroe.
Damn! Wishful thinking on my part
I thought Curry or Crabtree was our probable pick at #3. Excellent read BTW. It will be interesting to see what you do with the other 1st round pick.
UC
If you hadn’t presented such a god case, I might think you sent Curry to Detroit just to see your AP brethren picking behind you scramble. :0
Vae Victis!
I Won't Deny That Thought Amuses Me :)
But I do think they’ll go with Curry.
Predictions for 2009
1. Todd Haley's going to struggle with managing his staff in his rookie year as head coach.
2. The Lions will draft Matt Stafford, the Rams will draft Jason Smith, and the Chiefs will draft either Aaron Curry or Eugene Monroe.
I'm waiting with baited breath
to see AP’s next 4 picks. :)
I think Curry would be a safe pick in the court of public opinion for the Detroit locals after so many years of BS upon BS. It wouldn’t surprise me one bit. I hadn’t really even considered it until your post. It makes sense. It’s Detroit… Probably why it never occured to me. Nice one.
Vae Victis!
Could you at least brush once before my pick? :)
"But what do I know, I'm AP's new assclown and I’m like an empty room with a large ECHO"
Whhhhhhy Lanier Heeeeeeeeeeeellooooooooo.
You don’t like that? I could blow kisses from the other end if you prefer.
Vae Victis!
You mean?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lfABnAS5i9Q
"But what do I know, I'm AP's new assclown and I’m like an empty room with a large ECHO"
Correction, By The Way
Meant “Billy Sims”, not “Barry Sims”. Billy was a 3 time Pro Bowl running back, Barry is an offensive lineman for teams other than the Lions.
Predictions for 2009
1. Todd Haley's going to struggle with managing his staff in his rookie year as head coach.
2. The Lions will draft Matt Stafford, the Rams will draft Jason Smith, and the Chiefs will draft either Aaron Curry or Eugene Monroe.
Thanks
Didn’t want to piss off the fans who’ve stuck with the Lions. Sims is apparently still a very popular guy (although he predates me following their team, since I only started paying attention to them when they got Sanders).
Predictions for 2009
1. Todd Haley's going to struggle with managing his staff in his rookie year as head coach.
2. The Lions will draft Matt Stafford, the Rams will draft Jason Smith, and the Chiefs will draft either Aaron Curry or Eugene Monroe.
what i here
I m from Detroit and i m hereing a little talk on the radio and news and local sites that the Lions could take Baylor offensive tackle Jason Smith they could use him and draft freeman or white if still around by second round
by Detroit_lionchief on Mar 10, 2009 1:33 PM CDT reply actions
It's A Possibility
The Lions need o-line help too and I think Smith would be a good pick for them. But I think they’ll fall for Curry before they’ll go offense.
Predictions for 2009
1. Todd Haley's going to struggle with managing his staff in his rookie year as head coach.
2. The Lions will draft Matt Stafford, the Rams will draft Jason Smith, and the Chiefs will draft either Aaron Curry or Eugene Monroe.
also not a bad scenario
Either way, it’s a huge step in the right direction for the Lions
Vae Victis!
hmm
sounds legit… Detroit may go OT and try to follow a Dolphinesque plan to return to contention.
Time is a great teacher... unfortunately it kills all it's pupils.
Wow
Over a hundred comments and not a single rec. How disheartening. :)
Predictions for 2009
1. Todd Haley's going to struggle with managing his staff in his rookie year as head coach.
2. The Lions will draft Matt Stafford, the Rams will draft Jason Smith, and the Chiefs will draft either Aaron Curry or Eugene Monroe.
Cheer, Brutha :)
Predictions for 2009
1. Todd Haley's going to struggle with managing his staff in his rookie year as head coach.
2. The Lions will draft Matt Stafford, the Rams will draft Jason Smith, and the Chiefs will draft either Aaron Curry or Eugene Monroe.
The downside of the front page
There’s nowhere for it to go when it hits a certain amount of recs.
But rec’d…nice to start off with a bang.
by Joel Thorman on Mar 10, 2009 2:22 PM CDT up reply actions
Rec'd, you big baby ;) j/k
Bill Parcell’s: "You are what your record says you are."
"My job is not to collect talent, but to build a team. Individuals make the Pro Bowl. Teams win championships. That is our goal."—Chiefs GM Scott Pioli.
"If You're Good At Something...
…never do it for free." :)
Predictions for 2009
1. Todd Haley's going to struggle with managing his staff in his rookie year as head coach.
2. The Lions will draft Matt Stafford, the Rams will draft Jason Smith, and the Chiefs will draft either Aaron Curry or Eugene Monroe.
Aha...now I understand why your girlfriend left you :)
Bill Parcell’s: "You are what your record says you are."
"My job is not to collect talent, but to build a team. Individuals make the Pro Bowl. Teams win championships. That is our goal."—Chiefs GM Scott Pioli.
you mean........
….I could have gotten paid for being stupid all these years?
"But what do I know, I'm AP's new assclown and I’m like an empty room with a large ECHO"
Congressman get paid for it
you just picked the wrong career. ;-)
Cassel vs. Thigpen in Camp should improve the play of both.
Next on the need list: linebacker, and both lines
by Bleedingredandgold on Mar 10, 2009 3:16 PM CDT up reply actions
Not sure if this has been mentioned
But I think Stafford’s pro-day will be pretty important. It’s March 19th, I believe, and how he handles the pressure of that day will tell NFL scouts a lot. Personally I don’t like to put too much weight into pro-days, but I do think it could be a factor in the Lions decision.
UC, you know I have tons of respect for you…but I don’t see it. I think its Stafford/Smith/Monroe for the Lions.
I’m not saying that is the right decision, just what I expect they will do. Also, if they do take Smith or Monroe, and Sanchez gets past SF (two big ifs) I could see them packaging their #20 + something to slide up and take Sanchez. The pundits would love them…and they’re desperate for some positive pub up there…and really, it wouldn’t be a bad play.
That’s not to say I don’t think there is any way they go Curry…just my best guess. Its not like the Rams…if Lanier does anything but take a LT for the Rams @ #2…I’ll, uh…strongly disagree.
Guess I left this sentence out
The main reason I don’t see them going with Curry #1, is the percieved value of the LB position. I agree that their coaches certainly lean towards the defensive side, but as you noted, standup LB’s rarely go #1 overall, and I think most of that is b/c if you were ranking the importance of each position in building a football team, LB wouldn’t crack the top 4 (QB, LT, CB, passrusher).
Again, not saying if I were the Lions I wouldn’t take Curry…just that given the history of the draft, Stafford/Smith/Monroe seem a lot more likely.
Excellent arguements as always, though.
I hope the Chiefs select
Michael Crabtree (since I know damn well NO ONE WILL be smart enough to pick RAJI)
.. darn it we need RAJI!!
You have just received the Amish Virus. Since we do not have electricity or computers, you are on the honor system. Please delete all of your files.
Thank thee
Detroit Lions Prediction:
- oveall pick: Aaron Curry
- overall pick – Trade to the Cleveland Browns for QB Derek Anderson.
I think the Lions are tired of taking QBs that bust and paying the giganto-ramic first round QB contracts. I think they will absorb the $5m roster bonus of DA and sign him to a reasonable contract for a “test period.”
They have seen him have a good year and a bad year, but at least they know he us capable of producing a good year. Less upside, but less risk. They will concentrate on defense this year, and a little line help will come in 2nd or 3rd rounds.
The Powers Of Astute Observation Are Often Mistaken As Cynacism By Those That Do Not Posses Them -- G.B. Shaw
I swear that said #1 overall pick and #20 overall pick when I hit the post button. For some reason the site changed it on its own.
The Powers Of Astute Observation Are Often Mistaken As Cynacism By Those That Do Not Posses Them -- G.B. Shaw
I think you're overstating the value of Derek Anderson
If you think he could bring in the #20 overall pick after last season.
I’m not sure he’d bring the #33 pick.
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