With the first pick in the 2009 NFL draft the Detroit Lions select...
by JasonB on Mar 17, 2009 4:24 PM EDT
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36 comments
The first annual BGN Community Mock Draft is underway and representing the Detroit Lions, Whodie126 selects...
Eugene Monroe, OT Virginia.
Whodie126's take
I know Matthew Stafford is the sexy pick here but I think the Lions have more pressing issues that can’t be solved by a QB. I’m not convinced that Stafford can step right in and be successful in the NFL. Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco had 1 thing in common last year … a running game (number 2 and 4 in the league respectively). The Lions last year were 30th in the league. Stafford was successful in college but look at who he had in his backfield, Knowshon Moreno arguably the best RB in the draft. Kevin Smith is a good young RB who did play well last year all things considered. I don’t think Kevin Smith on his own can take the pressure off of a rookie QB.
Jeff Backus is the current LT for the Lions and is a solid player but I believe he will be moved into the LG spot and Monroe will be the new starting LT. Backus is getting a little older he’ll be 32 this year and got beat up for 9.25 sacks last year, good for 4th worst among LTs last year. They can use his skill and mentoring while hiding him in the Guard spot. This will give them young book ends with Gosder Cherilus (24) at RT.
Monroe has long arms, huge hands, and is quick (for a big guy) he had the opportunity to practice against Chris Long in college which is an obvious advantage. He also played alongside Brandon Albert during his career at Virginia. This may have helped him look better than he actually is, but he continued his high level of play once Albert left, as he received the 2008 Jacobs Blocking Trophy. Also, consider that Albert was one of the most sought after OTs in the draft last year yet Monroe was good enough for Virginia to keep Albert in at Guard, now that says something.
I considered Jason Smith here but he is a TE convert that is still a little raw and I think will need some work at the pro level to perfect his technique where Monroe can step in tomorrow. I also considered DT specifically B.J. Raji, considering the Lions gave up 404 yards a game last year 172 of that on the ground and they just traded Redding, but I couldn't do it. With the addition of Peterson and Henry they have improved there defense and can take a DT later in the draft.
The Lions need help on both lines before anything else, there is no use in drafting a young QB if he is going to get beat up and demoralized. They have a great target in Calvin Johnson, who can catch anything thrown his direction, let’s give someone the opportunity to stay upright long enough to do that.
The Lions have the 20th and the 33rd overall picks in the draft, this leaves them with some flexibility to go after Josh Freeman (my personal pick) or another top QB at either 20 or 33 and still pick up a top notch DT (to replace Redding which is a must). Picking up Peterson throws the Curry talks out the window in my opinion.
Remember the Lions have two younger guys in Stanton and Henson who just might have the ability to take the starters job this year.
My take is after the jump. NickPampani and the St Louis Rams are on the clock.
JasonB's take
Hard to argue with this one. Many draftniks have OT Jason Smith above Monroe, but not by much. Monroe is considered a franchise LT prospect and you can rarely go wrong with a guy like that. A safe pick IMO, and with the amount of money you have to pay the #1 over all pick safe is not a bad way to go.
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A tip
A tip to Nick and whoever is on the clock. You can email me the name of your pick before you send the explanation.. that way I can let the next guy know so he can get started on his pick a little earlier.
Just a thought. Not mandatory or anything.
by JasonB on Mar 17, 2009 4:41 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Should have gone Jason Smith…Booo
Just kidding man, good write up
by Clyde Simmons on Mar 17, 2009 4:43 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Hmm
Current QBs on the Detroit roster: Daunte Culpepper, Drew Henson and Drew Stanton. They traded Kitna and let the immortal Orlovsky go in free agency.
So Whodie, do you see Culpepper as their guy next year? This is a good, safe pick but I’m wondering if the aforementioned moves signify that they are in reality going QB – aka Stafford.
by ajay on Mar 17, 2009 4:50 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
did you just not feel like reading my long winded analysis? Just playing. I think OT is the smart pick then you can grab Josh Freeman at 20 or even gamble and try to get him at 33. I don’t think Stafford is NFL ready to be put in that situation. Freeman is mobile and can make plays with his legs as well as his arm.
The Lions have the 20th and the 33rd overall picks in the draft, this leaves them with some flexibility to go after Josh Freeman (my personal pick) or another top QB at either 20 or 33
Also, I don’t think Stanton is a horrible QB I really liked him at MSU and had the chance to see him play in person a few times.
"I need to do a better job of putting players in the right position to perennially come up short of expectations"
by Whodie126 on Mar 17, 2009 5:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ahh
I actually did read all of it but I guess I missed that little tidbit. Read what Spadaro said Jaws said about Freeman on the Eagles website. Brings up some questions.
by ajay on Mar 17, 2009 5:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
yeah i read that… was a really interesting analysis
"I tried to run him over but Eli had his big boy pads on and he kind of stopped me from getting in the end zone. The next time I’ll try to jump over his head.’’ - Asante Samuel
by foos05 on Mar 17, 2009 5:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah it defintiely makes you think twice but I don’t think Stafford will be able to step in especially with a line that gave up 52 sacks last year.
"I need to do a better job of putting players in the right position to perennially come up short of expectations"
by Whodie126 on Mar 17, 2009 6:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
that’s why I would take him in the second and use #20 to select a DT. I wanted to be a little ambiguous to be fair to who ever has there 20th pick.
"I need to do a better job of putting players in the right position to perennially come up short of expectations"
by Whodie126 on Mar 17, 2009 6:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
him = Freeman.
"I need to do a better job of putting players in the right position to perennially come up short of expectations"
by Whodie126 on Mar 17, 2009 6:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks alot whodie
how am i supposed to match that analysis
by NickPampani on Mar 17, 2009 4:51 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
haha sorry Nick.
I had the pressure on going first I had to come out of the gate strong.
"I need to do a better job of putting players in the right position to perennially come up short of expectations"
by Whodie126 on Mar 17, 2009 5:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
its ok
my pick is made i just have to do the write up.
by NickPampani on Mar 17, 2009 6:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i retract that staTement there is one more person to sift out. THIS COULD BE INTERESTING.
by NickPampani on Mar 17, 2009 7:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Solid Analysis
I believe that going with a franchise OT is the right way to go, especially when you are shelling out a ton of guaranteed money. A top notch OT is only going to make any QB that much better by giving him time to throw the ball and by helping the running game. The last thing the Lions need is the second coming of Akili Smith, so why take the risk on a QB unless you are getting a lower-risk guy like a Peyton Manning or Phillip Rivers. The Lions can still possibly pick up Josh Freeman or Nate Davis with a later pick and not have to potentially throw away a whole lot of guaranteed money. Smart pick Whodie, the Lions will have a GM position open soon if they draft a bust, maybe you should apply.
by Duff Honduras on Mar 17, 2009 5:01 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Plus, there’s always a chance that either Stafford or Sanchez fall like Quinn did. They may very well have a shot at one of those guys with their 20th pick.
by JasonB on Mar 17, 2009 5:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
JasonB
are we inviting the other bloggers over to see who we pick for them?
"I need to do a better job of putting players in the right position to perennially come up short of expectations"
by Whodie126 on Mar 17, 2009 5:18 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I posted the pick on the Lion’s site. Maybe I should ask the other bloggers for a quick take.
by JasonB on Mar 17, 2009 5:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
no harm in that
"I tried to run him over but Eli had his big boy pads on and he kind of stopped me from getting in the end zone. The next time I’ll try to jump over his head.’’ - Asante Samuel
by foos05 on Mar 17, 2009 5:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i know it’s only the first pick, but it’d probably be a good idea to post a little blurb at the end of each pick summarizing who’s been taken already… that way, we won’t have to back track through each pick one by one to make sure we caught everyone…
"I tried to run him over but Eli had his big boy pads on and he kind of stopped me from getting in the end zone. The next time I’ll try to jump over his head.’’ - Asante Samuel
by foos05 on Mar 17, 2009 5:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Excellent pick Whodie. I was hoping that you’d forego the sexy pick at number 1 and take someone solid that the Lions can build around. I would have gone the same route as you did. Stafford is probably the only 1st round quality QB in the draft, and although he has the physical ability to make all the throws on the field, he has shown poor judgement at the helm of Georgia. I’m sure that it can be worked out, but as you pointed out the lack of a solid running game would have literally put the path to recovery on young Stafford’s shoulders. Additionally, you can draft whomever you want at QB, but if the line doesn’t keep him on his feet (hello David Carr), then he may never get the chance to develop correctly, and that’s alot to hang this type of financial commitment on. Solid start, my friend.
"I tried to run him over but Eli had his big boy pads on and he kind of stopped me from getting in the end zone. The next time I’ll try to jump over his head.’’ - Asante Samuel
by foos05 on Mar 17, 2009 5:30 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
thanks, it was tough for me to not take BJ Raji because the Lions most glaring need is Defense. I just don’t have any faith in Stafford, I also think Stanton needs to be given a shot he has the tools. I would be more comfortable starting 2009 with Monroe as my LT and Stanton as my QB, then the current Lions line and M. Stafford tossin the rock.
"I need to do a better job of putting players in the right position to perennially come up short of expectations"
by Whodie126 on Mar 17, 2009 6:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The right pick
Monroe is the complete package and the Lions simply cannot afford to whiff with this pick.
by andyreidswaistline on Mar 17, 2009 5:37 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I was thinking Smith or Monroe at #1, then Freeman at #20. Great minds and all that.
by Tracer Bullet on Mar 17, 2009 7:36 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Great Pick
I couldn’t agree more that a QB is nothing without a solid line. To put Stafford in there with this line would be a total waste of a pick, on top of the guaranteed money they would need to pay. If instead the plan would be to draft Stafford and bring him along slowly, they don’t have a veteran QB to help teach him, and the pressure would be on to see what he had because they were 0-16 last year. So I agree not taking Stafford.
As for not taking Jason Smith. I think he probably has more upside, but that is not the gamble you want to take with the #1 overall pick. Top 5 maybe, top 10 definitely, but not 1 overall.
As I have the 20th pick, I am subject to what you did at 1. I too am a believer that they need to give Stanton a shot. I watched him a little at MSU and believe he has talent, however I can also say for certain that his head is not where it should be, due to a source I will not name that confirms he was involved in shady dealings while at school. I believe that if you spend a 2nd round pick on a QB you give him a shot if the opportunity arises.
Therefore, unless Stafford is falling to 20, I will probably go defense with my pick, and most likely follow the Reid mantra that you build from the line out.
by hratner on Mar 17, 2009 8:53 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
As I have the 20th pick, I am subject to what you did at 1.
haha yeah sorry about that.
however I can also say for certain that his head is not where it should be, due to a source I will not name that confirms he was involved in shady dealings while at school.
I know exactly what you are talking about as I have seen this first person when I saw him at a party there while visiting a friend, shady is a kind way of describing it.
"I need to do a better job of putting players in the right position to perennially come up short of expectations"
by Whodie126 on Mar 17, 2009 9:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Let you in on a secret
I don’t think any of you have been over to Pride of Detroit to see what the fans are saying. Its been an ongoing discussion over the entire off-season. We as Lion fans definately don’t want Stafford and don’t think he will be drafted by us. We think it will be Monroe, Smith or Curry. One of those three guys as the number one pick.
by Quez81 on Mar 18, 2009 12:41 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Smart move
Didn’t get rashy and grab the sexy player…. but you set the bar way to high, everyone else’s is going to look like crap now.
knowshon... Knowshon... KNOWSHON!!!!
by anuj on Mar 18, 2009 6:19 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Drew Stanton
Seems like everyone has forgotten about this guy. Even in the mock drafts on CBS and NFL, noone says anything about the fromer second round pick. He hasnt been given a chance yet. Yea hes been injured. But why would they draft a QB 1st overall when you have a young guy with potential? I say wait until the second round and get another young QB to compete. Like what Green Bay did, they drafted a young QB to challenge, when Farve left.
SEMPER EAGLES!!
by USMCSLB on Mar 18, 2009 6:52 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Agreed!
We have Stanton who is young and Culpepper is getting back to his old Vikes self. He has reportedly lost 20 pounds already. Maybe we will take Pat White in the 4th. Who knows. Hopefully we won’t draft a QB until the 4th round.
by Quez81 on Mar 19, 2009 4:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Odds are very slim White falls to the 4th
by andyreidswaistline on Mar 20, 2009 12:26 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Good Job
I might have selected staford but it this was a need for them too. Thanks for all the work you put in to it and there was some really deep analysis.
by homestar2281 on Mar 18, 2009 12:57 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Lions First Draft
As much as I’d rather see them go defense with the first pick, I think the OT and Eugene Monroe is the likely story. When you need that much help, it’s hard to know where to start. But I think there is some thought behind the decisions now, and that’s a plus. Can’t wait for draft day. I’m expecting them to draft three starters the first day. I think they’ll pick up a QB yet in Free Agency, give Stanton another year to shape up or ship out before dealing with it in the draft next year.
by Lionhearted on Mar 19, 2009 4:10 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Actually...
We are not in as bad a shape as everyone thinks coming off a 0-16 season. With free agency and the draft, we should make some noise in the NFC North.
by Quez81 on Mar 19, 2009 4:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
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