Stafford Telling Teammates He’ll Be A Lion

[RamFan_Til_I_Die]

Stafford Telling Teammates He’ll Be A Lion
Posted by Mike Florio on April 13, 2009, 6:47 p.m. EDT


Last week, we’ve heard that the Lions have locked onto Georgia quarterback Matthew Stafford with the No. 1 overall pick in the draft.

The information came from a source with knowledge of the team’s thinking.

This week, we’re hearing the same thing, but from the player’s perspective.

As we hear it, Stafford is telling his former Bulldog teammates that he’ll be the pick, and that he’ll receive more than $40 million, guaranteed, under the contract that the team will pay him.

Stafford is characterizing the move as a “done deal.”

If true, there’s no further reason for the Lions to continue to push the “signability” nonsense, and for the Lions to announce that Stafford is the guy sooner rather than later.

If this is true, it's good news as we can pick who we think will be best out of Jason Smith and Eugene Monroe, and not who is left after the Lions picked one of them.

[Nick_Weasel]

Agreed. This is exactly what the Rams would want I'd think.

[KoaKoi]

Yeah, last year the Rams had to play 2nd fiddle to the Miami pick... cuz Jake Long was such a highly rated player and Rams O-line looked like a hospital ward. This year, a Stafford pick by the Lions is helpful because it doesn't strip the Rams of one of their top choices. Not to say that Stafford is a bad pickup, I just think the Rams have too much tied into Bulger's contract and too many line needs (offensive & defensive) to realistically look at Stafford as the pick. If Rams get a qb, it's makes sense to grab a mid or later round flier and try to develop. Lions on the other hand... desperately need a qb pick that sticks as opposed to stinks. They've got dreams of being this year's Matt Ryan/Atlanta look-alike contest winner.

they have many needs all over their team, but its hard to blame them really- they need that "rally monkey" type of qb to breath new life into the club; and they ain't getting that type of player at that position if they wait. looks like the 'pick the qb and build around him' scenario. besides, kevin smith did an awesome job running the ball for them last year. and Calvin Johnson is so good, he had a decent season despite having no one to throw to him. i think its the right move for Detriot... but only time will tell.

[schut39]

So much for that radio station saying they were going after Jason Smith.

[RockinRam]

Stafford throwing to Johnson....Scary.

[MauiRam]

If this report/rumor is true, it will make things all the more interesting. If the Lions were to choose either J. Smith or Eugene Munroe, we'd never know for sure which one Billy D and Spags would have wanted between the two. If Stafford is the pick, we'll know for sure which tackle the Rams really like best, assuming they select a tackle with the #2 pick. If Detroit were to take a tackle, whichever guy was left would get the usual schmooze .. "yeah we're so glad the Lions picked so and so, cause we got the guy we really wanted all along .. blah, blah, blah."

Just for fun, I'll post Pro Fooball Weekly's Draft Guide ratings for the following five players listed at the bottom:

The lowest category is 4.00 to 4.49 - if a player is below 4.20, then he is not even listed. These guys are lucky to be signed as camp fodder mostly.

The highest category is 9.00 .. one almost never sees a 9 rating, as it is reserved for a once in a lifetime type player. John Elway, Jim Brown, Lawrence Taylor.

Players ranked 6.50 to 6.99 are described as follows: Sure fire first rounder who has a chance to become a pro bowl caliber player and in the case of a quarterback, will probably be a high first round pick because of the need for quarterbacks.

Last year for example Jake long was given a 7.00 rating and Ryan Clady was rated at 6.50. Both Matt Ryan and Glen Dorsey had 7.00 ratings as well.

Players ranking between 7.00 and 7.49 are described as: Should become a Pro Bowl caliber player.

By contrast, the highest rated players this year were:

Matt Stafford ---- 6.60
Jason Smith ------ 6.60
Eugene Munroe --- 6.55
Aaron Curry ------ 6.55
Michael Crabtree -- 6.50

[C-Mob 71]

Last year for example Jake long was given a 7.00 rating and Ryan Clady was rated at 6.50. Both Matt Ryan and Glen Dorsey had 7.00 ratings as well.

Players ranking between 7.00 and 7.49 are described as: Should become a Pro Bowl caliber player.

By contrast, the highest rated players this year were:

Matt Stafford ---- 6.60
Jason Smith ------ 6.60
Eugene Munroe --- 6.55
Aaron Curry ------ 6.55
Michael Crabtree -- 6.50

IF this is how Billy and Spags have stacked their board, then I have no choice but to hope we choose Jason Smith. HOWEVER, it is my belief that we have Aaron Curry rated as the highest player, therefore I'm still rooting for Curry. We have to go with the BPA.

[thoey]

C-Mob, you stole my thunder. I was going to post:

If this is true, it's good news as we can pick who we think will be best out of Jason Smith and Eugene Monroe, and not who is left after the Lions picked one of them.

What makes you think we are only looking at an OLman. Please don't be surprised when Curry is the selection.

[rams#1]

Thank god that stafford wasn't rated at a 6.66. That would have sucked.

[shower beers]

Stafford throwing to Johnson....Scary.

Stafford throwing to Johnson...intercepted by Bartell.

[Drummerman1011]

I like what Jason Smith brings. Since he still has some development to do, then RT is a good spot for him since we already signed up Barron for the left side. Smith could gain more knowledge and could show what he can really do.

[RamsFan16]

Stafford throwing to Johnson....Scary.

I wish we had that potential fear :/