The Detroit Lions will select Matthew Stafford, next year's Matt Ryan. For everyone saying that the Lions should make the sure-fire pick and take Jason Smith, the offensive tackle out of Baylor, I say two things: who is that? and furthermore, Stafford is the actual "sure-fire pick." If it wasn't for Andre Smith, the OT from 'Bama, being a complete idiot throughout the draft process, Jason Smith would not be getting but a mere fraction of his current publicity. Plus, the guy has been playing at Baylor for the last few years. Come on! It's Baylor. What could he have possibly learned there that would make him have an instant impact with a team that did not win a single game last year. Jason Smith won't fill seats. An inspired, motivated Matthew Stafford will.
It seems as if the ESPN draft gurus believe that Offensive Tackle is the position that you need to address in the early parts of the draft. They go on and on about the guys from Baylor, Alabama and Virginia. Yeah, this position is of great importance to teams that are reloading from a playoff run and their pass protection needs a boost. 0-16 teams need two things for sure: a new quarterback and a prayer pager. I disagree wholeheartedly with these so-called gurus. Most importantly, you need a franchise quarterback. It needs to be someone to build a team identity around, such as Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Ben Roethlisberger, etc. (Notice anything about the guys? I bet you can't name their team's starting offensive tackles.) All championship teams have quarterbacks that match the team's identity. Moreover, you absolutely need a quarterback when you go 0-16 the previous year. So, hopefully, the Lions agree with this assessment and take Stafford with the first pick.
As for the next few picks, I believe the Rams will take an OT to replace Orlando Pace, even though they could benefit from some new blood at WR with the loss of Torry Holt or a future star LB such as Aaron Curry. Jason Smith, the PURELY FOR POTENTIAL pick of the draft, goes No. 2 to Rams.
The Chiefs will take Aaron Curry next, as he is definitely the best player available on defense and it just so happens that their defense is abysmal.
The Seahawks will most likely take a Quarterback. Mark Sanchez is their man. They could possibly look at Andre Smith from Bama at this pick, or trade down for a few picks in the 1st and 2nd round.
I will leave the rest of the draft up to the "gurus" and it is really impossible to predict the draft since one trade between teams could change the order of prospects drafted completely.
One thing is definite in this year's NFL draft, Matthew Stafford should be the 1st player taken, and if he isn't, Lions fans better get excited about a bunch of no-name players running behind the tackle of the future with SO MUCH potential, Jason Smith.
Next post: All-Playoff teams, through Game 2.
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