Reader-Controlled Mock Draft: Detroit Lions #1 Pick

2008 Record: 0-16
Record in Division: 0-6

Total Offense Ranking: 30th (268.2 yds/game)
Passing: 24th (185.0 yds/game)
Rushing: 30th (83.2 yds/game)

Total Defense Ranking: 32nd (404.4 yds/game)
Passing: 27th (232.2 yds/game)
Rushing: 32nd (172.1 yds/game)

Key Off-Season Acquisitions: Anthony Henry (DB); Julian Peterson (LB); Phillip Buchanon (DB)

Key Off-Season Losses: Jon Kitna (QB)

Tell Me Something Good:

The guy's name is Megatron!

Calvin Johnson is one of the best receivers in the league. The Lions don’t have any other weapons and Megatron still produces. Just imagine if opposing defenses had to worry about someone else!

What Sucks? They were the first team to ever go 0-16, so just about everything sucks. In a league that is so quarterback driven, the Lions are deciding between an unproven Drew Stanton or an underwhelming Dan Orlovsky. As bad as the quarterback play was in 2008, it probably wasn’t the worst part of the team. Not only did the Lions have the worst defense against the rush, but they were the worst defense in the NFL period. No quarterback and no defense is not a good combination.

Biggest Needs: The team desperately needs help all over the offensive line, specifically a franchise left tackle. Quarterback is also a concern–do they have a quarterback of the future? Is Drew Stanton capable of being the cornerstone quarterback for the franchise?

On the defensive side of the ball, they need a middle and strong side linebackers in the worst way. Anything to help slow down the opponents rushing attack. They were absolutely awful against the run last season; they need as many players as they can find to fix their defense.

Some Helpful Links

2009 Draft Order	Draft Order for the first 2 Rounds
DraftCountdown.com	Scott Wright’s Top 32 Prospects for the 2009 NFL Draft
fftoolbox.com	Top Prospects by Position

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Daniel

The Lions will definitely take Stafford, not that Sanchez isn't good. There are plenty of good tackles but only two really good QBs. If they go QB first, they can easily grab a guy like Michael Oher with the 18th pick. Curry may be the best player in the draft but, the Lions already have Ernie Sims and Julian Peterson. Also, whats with the Florida cheap shot, The only real Florida "flop" would be Steve Spurrier being taken #3 in '67. The only other Gator QB taken in the 1st round was Grossman and he went to the Super Bowl.

Phlyer Phan

I think the HUGE contract Spurrier to Washington was a bigger flop then his playing days.

The Nation

Ok, ok Phan, i'm not from Pitt so done get all punchy with me. Sid sucks, McNabb is the best, etc. Its so clear to you that a guy with 9 more tds, slightly better QB rating and comps is not even CLOSE enough to warrant a discussion? Hmm, sounds like someone with an agenda to me, and AZ going with anyone besides Warner,cmon give me a lil credit. Time will tell which QB is better. Not like its gonna matter who they take in detroit anyway, at least for a little while. So your choice for the Lions is Stafford?

Phlyer Phan

I think they will take Stafford. If I was in the war room and had the power to make the pick, I would take Curry. Lineman tend to be more reliable and not as much of a gamble. They also can step in right away and start.

I have one question for you, and I am not trying to be a smart ass. I am just curious. Have you ever spent any time in prison. I only ask because cheep seats and I have been having an on going discussion on how people become Raider fans. It has been argued (by me) that you have to be an ex-felon to root for the Raiders. I was hoping you could shed a new argument to the discussion.

The Nation

...cmon Phan that would be like a Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim of State College blvd asking me if Raider games are to violent! (In light of the unfortunate thing that happened on opening night). Just doesnt make sense.

ROB

With an owner as old as Al Davis.....and you're talking about convelescent homes??? LOL

The Nation

Haha, Farve is that you over there? I'm not picking on them just saying you guys are violent man, gone are the days of Georgia Frontiere's friends from the convelescent home inhabiting the stadium for the Ram/Angel games, and in roll the thugs! And yes Tampa did get us, Chucky used Dungy's players and good ol Callahan wasnt smart enough to adapt to anything. Chuck wasnt successful after that and we put him in the unemployment line. But yes they got us.

ROB

Picking on my angels, huh? Well it's not as bad as losing your head coach and having him tear your ass up in the superbowl. ouch!

The Nation

Haha, well cheap seats knows me, he can vouch for my reputation. jk. Honestly, I'll tell you this much i'm a homer, from socal, and thats what I grew up watching and going to their games so thats who I root for. I've never even been to Washington, Dallas, etc. so I have no reason to be a fan of theirs. I like to think football as a mans sport, a tough sport. I couldnt arbitrarily choose a team with electric blue and hot orange as their colors. And going to the games rubbing elbows with a old man with a hearing aid and a orange turtleneck asking you what happened every 5 min cuz he cant see isnt my idea of going to a football game. But thats just my opinion, I mean they have alot of fans and a winning tradition so I take nothing away from them just my preference. And Phan, i'm going to think that someone stole your screen name and posted that question or you never been to philly to watch a game cuz you know what philly fans are all about! You have seen their antics, they arent much better in fact if you look it up they are thought to be worse than Raider fans, your intelligent, you know this! I shouldnt have to school you on your own teams fan base. Boys, football is a violent sport, go to Cleveland, NY, Washington, etc and try and wear the opposing teams jersey. I dont think you will be to happy with the way you are treated. So to answer you question, no we arent all ex cons...but you never know...my other question to you is, and i'm not trying to be a smart ass but i've seen your posts on here, do you drive a big truck, with a big suspension, big tires, and a big system?

The Nation

Oh ok, I had a little friend I used to know that liked philly, my bad I got it twisted. Hey make that meeting! Rocky was never late to a training seesion, i expect more from you Phan!

Phlyer Phan

No. An Infiniti G35 coupe. I have more to say but it will have to come shortly after my meeting i am running late for. Nice answer though.

ROB

My guess is that the dumb @#$@($ Lions will pick Crabtree.......yes! Another wide receiver. LOL

The Nation

I think when you have this many needs you have to address, its logical to start at the QB position and build around him. He will be the most important player on offense so its a huge deal who you draft here. I would say Sanchez would be the pick here but you cant go wrong with Stafford either. Both are similar in stature and ability but I think you gotta go QB here either way.

Phlyer Phan

Sanchez? REALLY? You must be from Sothern California. Stafford iks clearly the best QB in the draft. You probably think Kurt Warner should not be starting in Arizona too!