With the first pick in the 2009 NFL Draft....

Ok maybe it's just me but it feels like just about everything has been said about not drafting Stafford and everything has been said about why Aaron Curry is great.  There has been some mention of taking a left tackle but there seems to be some disagreement as to who is the better prospect between J. Smith and Monroe.  So let's have it out.  Let's hear what everyone has to say about these two guys (if for no other reason but to take a break from all the Stafford/Curry talk).

Here's what I've heard about these two:

J. Smith - Great athlete, hard worker, long arms and excellent footwork.  In a lot of ways he's the prototypical pass blocking LT.  The knock on him seems to be that he doesn't have an overpowering lower body which could hurt him in run blocking.

E. Monroe - Another great athlete, powerful lower body, gets great leverage.  He seems like a total mauler.  Perfect for the run game but also still very good in pass blocking.

What I think the Lions should do:

Draft Jason Smith.  They (hopefully) got their mauler last year in Gosder Cherilous.  They need to protect the QB's backside.  Whether it's Culpepper, Stanton, or (please god) Cutler, they need to get better in pass protection.  Period.  Also, Jason Smith is a converted TE that has only been playing LT for 4 years and he's been improving his game every year.  He can work on his lower body strength and become an elite run blocker.  Monroe can't make his arms grow longer to help his pass blocking.  Smith would give the Lions a rare combination of being an immediate difference maker while at the same time having an even higher ceiling.  I think he's the right choice.

Alright let's have at it everyone!