Grades for 2009 draft choices so far.

by Lead Hunter on Nov 13, 2009 9:51 PM EST Comment 17 comments

I was bouncing around the internet and found an article grading the 2009 draft choices. Thought it was a pretty far analysis of how the new guys are doing thus far on the Lions. I think I might be a little more critical of a couple of these guys but all in all, it was a good writeup. I am curious to know if my fellow POD posters agree with his writing or if you have a different assessement of any or all of the rookies. Heres the link and my thoughts after the jump. LINK

I, like the writer of the column, thought we would be a little better in the win/loss column at this point of the year. However, I like to take the past into consideration. Millen left Schwartz and company with some bare cuboards when it comes to talent. So with the 2009 draft so important to this Lions team, it is good to see that they are in these games making some good plays and getting some much needed experience for the years to come. Here are my thoughts on the authors thoughts of the Lions 2009 draft choices.

Stafford - As the author points out, Stafford has made a lot of rookie mistakes. But most of the mistakes that he makes are due to his lack of actual game experience. He will learn in time how to put touch on a pass, read different defenses, and when to throw it away. Agree with the author

Pettigrew - Lost some learning time due to injury, but it was nice to see him so involved in the last game. Agree with the author.

Delmas - Huge addition and the only bright spot in the secondary. Love his intensity. Agree with the author.

Levy - A hard worker that will some day be a starter. Agree with the author.

Williams - I for one have not seen enough out of him. But I am willing to give him some time as he has to compete against 3 veterans for playing time. Agree with the author, but not really sold on him.

Hill - The author says he will be at least a good backup. I think he will be a very good starter. I know, he might be starting due to the lack of talent, but you have to admit, he has done a very good job. Agree with author.

Brown - A nice compliment to K.Smith with his speed. Is he an every down back, maybe not, but he is quick on the edge. That makes him at least a good backup. Agree with the author.

Murtha - Did not get to see him enough, but from what I saw, I agree with the author.

Follet - What an impact he has made on special teams. Not bad for a 7th rounder. You never know, he might turn out to be at the least a talented backup. Agree with the author, but thinking he will be more in the future.

Gronkowski - Not enough info. Agree with the author.

So lets hear you lions fans. what are your thoughts on our most recent draft class thus far. As always, GO LIONS!

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of Pride of Detroit's main writer, Sean, or the site in general. FanPosts are valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable fans.

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Granted our cupboards were bare,

but I still think this is one of the best draft classes the lions have had since I have been watching (30+ years). We may or may not have gotten a superstar (ie CJ or Barry Sanders) in our lineup (too early to tell), but I think we have gotten quality at every single one of our picks.

I am not sure what to make of Murtha since we didn’t get to see him in action(if he couldn’t warrant a space on our crack team of linemen, how good could he be?), but I have to trust the coaches and ultimately if we lose only a single 7th rounder from an extra deep draft (10 picks) – then this has to be considered a success.

I have to think that everyone will be a lot more understanding with the picks in next years draft (OK probably not, but we should considering the talent evaluation from this year).

by Lions-fan-SLC on Nov 14, 2009 11:03 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

I think there will definitely be a lot less "WTF, they picked the wrong position!" from fans next April

by n4ry4 on Nov 14, 2009 12:15 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

You never know

We will have our favourites lined up by the time the Lions reach the podium and almost certaintly, the Lions will not pick who we think. Or at least, not the majority.

2009 = The start of the Lions Golden Age (We hope).
Zack Follett: he will hurt your mind.

by Hyperion Ecta on Nov 14, 2009 6:49 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I agree with the author

His grades were pretty solid and I think his reasoning was spot on for the most part.

by KDawg on Nov 14, 2009 2:36 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

a couple more drafts like this one...

watch out. The Lions will be playoff contenders.

by JCruize on Nov 15, 2009 1:19 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

That is a very optimistic post..

and I agree..although I think we probably missed on Derrick WIlliams honestly

So, we take Antonio Brown in the 4th Round this year!!!!!!!

http://cmufootball.blogspot.com/

by CapitolLions on Nov 15, 2009 8:59 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

I'm still hetaed about the Lion's letting Murtha go before he was healthy.

They never even gave him a chance to show what he can do and now he is a starter on one of the best O-lines in football. Fact is he could replace Backus witjout having to use a first round pick on a lineman and use it on another area of need. I know he is a RT for the Dolphins but the fact is he could very easily outperform Backus and possibly learn the LT position enough through the season to be a solid starter. The dude has exceptional instinct and skills and we could be possibly watching our future LT right now and use our first round pick elsewhere next year.

by toled0lions on Nov 15, 2009 8:35 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

^without

by toled0lions on Nov 15, 2009 8:36 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

damnit I can't spell......... ^heated

by toled0lions on Nov 15, 2009 8:37 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

It sucks that we

lost Murtha before we saw him play, but I am confident that Jim Schwartz is an excellent talent evaluator. THIS DRAFT CLASS IS AWESOME. We were able to find at least 5 quality players with great potential in one draft. Plus, I think we did find a superstar talent, his name is Matt Stafford. He has shown glimpses of greatness, just wait until he has a line to play behind. If we can have another offseason like we just had we will be looking very good…maybe not a playoff team yet, but I know we are headed in the right direction. Isnt it nice to know that there is now a light at the end of the tunnel…good times ahead. GO LIONS

by msulion10 on Nov 16, 2009 2:37 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

well the Lions got the hardest position to draft out of the way in Stafford...

now got to fill all the remaining holes…

if the shoe fits...get another one just like it - George Carlin

by JCruize on Nov 16, 2009 8:04 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

i think if we find a way to fix the secondary and the O-line next year we could be a 8-8 team with a very bright future

Vikings 4 the superbowl

by RaysOfHope on Nov 18, 2009 3:59 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Need I point out the obvious?

There are no grades listed in the piece!

by rbanner on Nov 18, 2009 9:43 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Sure there are.....

They just are not the normal A, B, C, D, or F. Instead he grades them on terms of potential. This is likely because he realizes that you can’t grade a person with next to zero for a sample size.

by KDawg on Nov 19, 2009 9:21 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

He did not grade anybody

He gave mid-term evaluations to various players, but not a letter grade. If your point is that can’t be done based on sample size (silly, I can evaluate on the basis of a pop quiz as to the student’s ability on that issue, just as easily as a mid-term) then you are de facto stating the piece is a complete waste.

by rbanner on Nov 20, 2009 10:31 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs