With the first pick in the draft, the Lions draft...
With the Lions having two draft picks, I think they follow exactly what the Falcons did last season and take the franchise QB #1 and then the LT with their 2nd first round pick. So now the decision is Stafford or Bradford, if only one declares, then there is no decision.
With the Lions having two draft picks, I think they follow exactly what the Falcons did last season and take the franchise QB #1 and then the LT with their 2nd first round pick. So now the decision is Stafford or Bradford, if only one declares, then there is no decision.
While picking a quarterback may be the glamour pick, the Lions don't have a line to protect one or make holes for running backs. Their greatest needs are left OT and almost any position on defense.
While I apreciate the fact that QB is a huge need for the Lions I find it odd that the entire formula for QB training has changed. Before last year it used to be wait a year and let the QB learn, now after the Falcons and Ravens the entire mindset has changed. It seems now we want to throw QBs into the fire. Problem is that the situations are different. Both the Falcons and the Ravens had good peices in place and all they really needed was a QB. They both had good lines, decent or outstanding Ds and low expectations.
On the other hand the Lions have no line and no D, also it the QB would be a number one overall pick. Ryan was a senior and ready, both the top QBs in this draft will be underclassmen, why not wait a bit and build the rest of the team before you draft another pincushion? Take the O-lineman and worry about the QB next year.
I totally agree on both points of views. Cleveland did it opposite than Atlanta, take the stud LT, and then take the QB. The Lions have an opportunity to get both in the first round if they wish, the biggest question comes down to who actually declares in regards to QB? A possible prospect could be there at end of round 1 or early round 2. Dream situation for the Lions: trade down in the first round, and even maybe trade down with the 2nd pick too. It would be great if the Lions could get a stud tackle, DE, LB, CB maybe even guard. The team is a mess right now, and the easiest way to fix it is numerous draft picks. Brandon Spikes could be available in round 2, so could Tyson Jackson. Solid CBs can be found in round 3. Don't forget they need some receiver to complement Calvin Johnson. Is Shaun McDonald or Mike Furrey that guy? Hopefully this team can add some depth through free agency, but Matt Millen serious put this franchise in the ground. The advantage of a QB, no expectations for next season, just like Peyton Manning's first. Why not get the experience out of the way?
While I apreciate the fact that QB is a huge need for the Lions I find it odd that the entire formula for QB training has changed. Before last year it used to be wait a year and let the QB learn, now after the Falcons and Ravens the entire mindset has changed. It seems now we want to throw QBs into the fire. Problem is that the situations are different. Both the Falcons and the Ravens had good peices in place and all they really needed was a QB. They both had good lines, decent or outstanding Ds and low expectations.
On the other hand the Lions have no line and no D, also it the QB would be a number one overall pick. Ryan was a senior and ready, both the top QBs in this draft will be underclassmen, why not wait a bit and build the rest of the team before you draft another pincushion? Take the O-lineman and worry about the QB next year.
GREAT point NJM! The whole mindset has completely changed after a single season and 2 QB's with abnormal success. This was really an unprecedented year in that regard.
But my only question is are any of the available QB's in this years draft as talented as Matt Ryan or Joe Flacco were at this time last year? What do you think? Can Bradford or Stafford make that kind of impact immediately?
I couldn't resist getting Blind Side into the title.
The Lions have to look at this draft and realize they can set up their offensive tackle position on both sides for the foreseeable future. Their toughest task might be choosing which LT prospect is the best fit for them. I say you can't go wrong with the character of Oher.
This might be blasphemy to my FFL buddy Bret, a Michigan State season ticket holder and Lion fanatic, but I'm not totally convinced Dan Orlovsky is not their best shot this season at the quarterback position.
Do we know how Bradford will do once he gets under center? How is that working out for Alex Smith? He has a better chance to succeed than Smith because his hands aren't small, but there is a risk.
At one point do teams realize NOTHING WORKS IF YOU DON'T FIX THE OFFENSIVE LINE. I usually don't go all caps. In this case it is warranted. Get the blocking, then the rest falls into place. I'm not necessarily disagreeing with Abromowitz (follow Atlanta's plan) and I would definitely agree with it if I believed Stafford or Bradford were Matty Ice. If they wait on LT the talent drops off, and worse yet if they miss on QB the salary cap is screwed.
Their first choice should be traded to Kansas City. Let them take a risk with Stafford, and in the meantime load up on the offensive/defensive lines where a team should be built. I would treat this draft like the Lions are an expansion team. I don't have the figure in front of me, but I believe Miami turned over roughly half their 53-man roster from their 1-15 team. Detroit should do the same.
While I apreciate the fact that QB is a huge need for the Lions I find it odd that the entire formula for QB training has changed. Before last year it used to be wait a year and let the QB learn, now after the Falcons and Ravens the entire mindset has changed. It seems now we want to throw QBs into the fire. Problem is that the situations are different. Both the Falcons and the Ravens had good peices in place and all they really needed was a QB. They both had good lines, decent or outstanding Ds and low expectations.
On the other hand the Lions have no line and no D, also it the QB would be a number one overall pick. Ryan was a senior and ready, both the top QBs in this draft will be underclassmen, why not wait a bit and build the rest of the team before you draft another pincushion? Take the O-lineman and worry about the QB next year.
The Falcons O-line outside of adding Sam Baker this year was pretty much the same as in 07 and Baker was hurt for most of the second half of the season........... Matt Ryan and Turner were great additions but our turn around came mostly from great coaching............
If the Lions dont change that it will not matter who they pick...............
Personaly I see them also trying to follow the Falcons lead with a QB and OT in the first............. They need to get thier fan base back as fast as possibe so they go for the big punch..................Stafford would be my pick.............
If they want the Lions want to increase their fanbase, I recommend them begging Timmy Tebow to declare for the draft, then draft Percy Harvin with the 2nd pick, and play Florida like football, utilizing an offense With Tebow, Harvin, and Calvin Johnson. They probably would still stink, but the excitement level would at least be there.
Serious now - Tebow should stay in school as his future as an NFL quarterback is unclear.
If they want the Lions want to increase their fanbase, I recommend them begging Timmy Tebow to declare for the draft, then draft Percy Harvin with the 2nd pick, and play Florida like football, utilizing an offense With Tebow, Harvin, and Calvin Johnson. They probably would still stink, but the excitement level would at least be there.
Serious now - Tebow should stay in school as his future as an NFL quarterback is unclear.
I agree however..............
If he goes to the third round and is still available I say the Falcons pick Tebow and use him as a TE........Could you imagine the play possibilaties................ Plus if Ryan gets hurt and Tebow knows the system we have a good backup QB for our running game.................
With the first pick in the draft, the Lions draft...
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