Official... 1st pick of the 2009 Draft, the Detroit Lions select:

[Titanico]

QB Stafford from Georgia.


That was officially announced yesterday at NFLN.

I will try to see if there's a link for this news.

[Titanico]

No I didn't find any official news at nfl.com...but here's a video (http://www.nfl.com/videos?videoId=09000d5d80fec654) talking about this.

[rpearljr]

I think they are trying to work a deal out for him if they dont agree to terms they will then choose someone on defense. but the deal for stafford hasnt been finalized

[Livid13]

The Lions, according to ESPN's, "Sportscenter" gave up the most sacks in the NFL, for the past three years. I can tell you as a Texans fan, I saw first hand what happened to David Carr. Granted, they were an expansion team, but STILL, your FRANCHISE QB ? Look for Daunte Culpepper to start the season.....

[Titanico]

I think they are trying to work a deal out for him if they dont agree to terms they will then choose someone on defense. but the deal for stafford hasnt been finalized

I am not trying to mock anyone. It was officialy announced at NFLN yesterday. They also said that they were looking for an OL, as a plan B, but that the negociations are closed and Detroit is taking Stafford.


The Lions, according to ESPN's, "Sportscenter" gave up the most sacks in the NFL, for the past three years. I can tell you as a Texans fan, I saw first hand what happened to David Carr. Granted, they were an expansion team, but STILL, your FRANCHISE QB ? Look for Daunte Culpepper to start the season.....

Yep. I remember we discussed that throughly about Carr and the lack of protection he was a victim of. I agree that Detroit needs to get stronger at many areas, as you rightfuly say.

[Toronto]

IMO they are making a mistake - Stafford will never live up the incredible expectations that come with being a #1 overall pick, as well as playing for a team that hasn't had a franchise QB since Bobby Layne.
The team needs trench players, and I am convinced taking Smith or Curry was a better play for them, then follow that up by trading the 2nd 1st rounder for more picks, while grabbing perhaps Josh Freeman.

When I watched the Titans play in Detroit, the biggest issue they had, which was almost impossible to list unless you start alphabetically, was their OLE line-play on both sides of the ball. You could push them back 2 yards each way. As for the Carr reference, Stafford played in the SEC, and that will help a lot. I still think it's the wrong QB for these guys to bank on. Sam Bradford was the one if he had come out.

[Titanico]

For some reason, I thought the same about Detroit taking Stafford and I also thought that their needs relay somewhere else...

Let's see how all this pans out between Stafford and Detroit.

[TTP77]

IMO they are making a mistake - Stafford will never live up the incredible expectations that come with being a #1 overall pick, as well as playing for a team that hasn't had a franchise QB since Bobby Layne.
The team needs trench players, and I am convinced taking Smith or Curry was a better play for them, then follow that up by trading the 2nd 1st rounder for more picks, while grabbing perhaps Josh Freeman.

When I watched the Titans play in Detroit, the biggest issue they had, which was almost impossible to list unless you start alphabetically, was their OLE line-play on both sides of the ball. You could push them back 2 yards each way. As for the Carr reference, Stafford played in the SEC, and that will help a lot. I still think it's the wrong QB for these guys to bank on. Sam Bradford was the one if he had come out.

Yea, I completely agree with you here. The Lions are in a tough position but I would pick Curry or Smith with the #1 pick as well. If they can protect him, I actually think Culpepper could be serviceable for a while. Their real problem is if they miss out on Freeman later, the drop off on QB's is an abyss.

[Toronto]

Yea, I completely agree with you here. The Lions are in a tough position but I would pick Curry or Smith with the #1 pick as well. If they can protect him, I actually think Culpepper could be serviceable for a while. Their real problem is if they miss out on Freeman later, the drop off on QB's is an abyss.

I agree, which is also why I don't see why they would rush to overpay on one in this draft. It's not like they're gonna win the Super Bowl anytime soon. Have parience, take your medicine and build the team right. No one in Detroit will lose any sleep over a 3-13 team this year, if it looks like there is a light at the end of a very dark tunnel. They can draft Smith or Curry, stockpile picks, even trade this year's 20th for someone's 1st next year, and wait for the right QB to land on their lap.

Now I'll have to listen to Kiper try and convince me in his 10 minute diatribe how wonderful a person Stafford is. Bull****. He never won the biggest games at Georgia and as strong as his arm is, never made the smart throws. What he does in a private workout makes me yawn. Ask the Colts how that private Jeff George workout went - yeah he threw it 80 yards in the air, but he couldn't throw a proper 8 yard slant.

[Titanico]

GM Mayhew confident Lions will have No. 1 pick signed before draft
Associated Press


ALLEN PARK, Mich. -- The Detroit Lions are avoiding even subtle hints about who they will take No. 1 overall.

Lions general manager Martin Mayhew, though, said Tuesday the chances were "very good" an agreement will be reached with a player to be determined before the NFL draft.

"We plan on getting something done prior to making that selection," he said.

....Stafford has made it clear he hopes to play in Detroit.

A little bit more to read and some Stafford comments, here (http://www.nfl.com/draft/story?id=09000d5d80fe538d&template=with-video-with-comments&confirm=true)

[TTP77]

It's not like they're gonna win the Super Bowl anytime soon. Have parience, take your medicine and build the team right. No one in Detroit will lose any sleep over a 3-13 team this year, if it looks like there is a light at the end of a very dark tunnel. They can draft Smith or Curry, stockpile picks, even trade this year's 20th for someone's 1st next year, and wait for the right QB to land on their lap.

I've been saying the same thing. If they do pick Stafford it just goes to show that franchise will always be what has been in the past. Matt Millen wasn't the only problem.


Now I'll have to listen to Kiper try and convince me in his 10 minute diatribe how wonderful a person Stafford is. Bull****. He never won the biggest games at Georgia and as strong as his arm is, never made the smart throws.

QFT. I watched that guy for years and I'm still amazed he's considered the best QB in this year's draft. You are spot on right there. :thumbsup

[Toronto]

I've been saying the same thing. If they do pick Stafford it just goes to show that franchise will always be what has been in the past. Matt Millen wasn't the only problem.



QFT. I watched that guy for years and I'm still amazed he's considered the best QB in this year's draft. You are spot on right there. :thumbsup

One of the most telling statements made to me by Lion fans last Thanksgiving was that as long as the Fords own the team, nothing will ever change.

[Yvette]

Titans' Bulluck predicts Lions will take Matt Stafford (http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20090422/SPORTS0101/904220429/1126/Titans++Bulluck+predicts+Lions+will+take+Matt+Staf ford)

His other predictions: LB Aaron Curry and OT Jason Smith

[shadowboxin']

I hope the contract numbers I heard rumored somewhere are wrong. It said the Stafford contract was somewhere around ~80 million, with 40 mill guaranteed. For someone who's never played a down in the NFL.

[MillaKilla8]

6 year deal 42mil just saw on ESPN

[shadowboxin']

Goergia quarterback Matthew Stafford has agreed to a six-year deal with the Lions, sources close to the quarterback told ESPN's Chris Mortensen. The contract is worth $41.7 million guaranteed over six years. The number could grow to $78 million with incentives.

Link (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=4097641)

The only incentives that should allow a rookie to pocket that much cash should be shiny rings with diamonds (that's rings, plural).

[Bobcat]

And I was hoping they'd take Maclin or Crabtree, just for old-times sake...

[Toronto]

I'd say Lion fans will rue the day for this, but after 0-16, I doubt any of them care anymore and won't care until the Fords are gone.

[shadowboxin']

Just to illustrate how ridiculous this contract is:


This is what things have come to: Stafford, who has never played a down in the NFL, just set the league record for guaranteed money. His $41.7 million surpasses the $41 million Washington gave Tennessee defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth during free agency.

Here is the list I compiled, which includes Haynesworth and six quarterbacks:

1. Detroit quarterback Matthew Stafford: $41.7 million
2. Washington defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth: $41 million
3. Atlanta quarterback Michael Vick: $37 million
4. Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger: $36 million
5. Atlanta quarterback Matt Ryan: $34.8 million
6. Indianapolis quarterback Peyton Manning: $34.5 million
7. Oakland quarterback JaMarcus Russell: $31.5 million
8. Dallas quarterback Tony Romo: $30 million

We've talked often on this blog about how no team wants the No. 1 pick, and now you can see why: By one measure, Stafford is now the highest-paid player in the history of the NFL.



Unreal. For a guy who more likely than not could be the next Alex Smith.

[Bobcat]

If this contract (and the economy) doesn't pave the way for a cap on rookie salaries, nothing will.

[Toronto]

Just to illustrate how ridiculous this contract is:



Unreal. For a guy who more likely than not could be the next Alex Smith.

Jeff George to me - great arm, but no way does he win over teammates or have football IQ.

This is just lunacy and the final nail in the coffin for a rookie salary cap. The players will get one whether they like it or not.

[TitansFan23]

Good lord!

This kid instantly becomes the highest paid player in the NFL and has yet to even take a snap.

The league has to step in and do something about these rookie contracts.

[BoroTitan]

wow