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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!

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of Pride of Detroit or its writers. FanPosts are valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable fans.

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Monroe

I disagree with your statement about Monroe being a mauler. He’s a prototypical pass blocker with long arms, great footwork and and brilliant technique. If there’s any knock on him is that he isn’t a powerful run blocker. So, if your main reason for skipping Monroe was inferior pass blocking skill compared to J. Smith then maybe you should rethink the choice.

I see Monroe being a more consistent, safer LT than Smith.

by Hyperion Ecta on Mar 27, 2009 1:30 AM EDT reply actions  

um...

every draft report i have read says Monroe is a beast at run blocking and Smith needs help in that area.

by shanndiggit on Mar 27, 2009 2:10 AM EDT reply actions  

Quoted from Scott Wright’s Draft Coutdown:

“Weaknesses:- Is inconsistent with his leverage…Is not a true road grading run blocker…Needs to strengthen his lower body…”

I’m not saying he isn’t a good run-blocker, he is, but he is a dominant pass blocker and wumanchu01 said he was a better run blocker which was what I disagreed with.

by Hyperion Ecta on Mar 27, 2009 3:01 AM EDT up reply actions  

NFL Draft scout

he is a draft report too

http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=57318&draftyear=2009&genpos=OT

Key in on “On running plays, he is nimble and tough, which often gets him into the second level where he can take on a linebacker.” Of course everyone has a different opinion.

by shanndiggit on Mar 27, 2009 4:26 AM EDT reply actions  

As I said.

I’m not saying that Monroe is a bad run blocker, he is a perfectly good one. The point I was making was that Monroe is a better pass blocker while wumanchu01 seemed to say that he was a stronger run blocker.

Either way we are gonna end up with a strong LT. IF we choose one of them.

by Hyperion Ecta on Mar 27, 2009 5:30 AM EDT up reply actions  

true enough

too bad there is a “if” in the equation.

by shanndiggit on Mar 27, 2009 7:56 AM EDT up reply actions  

I think it is a Win-Win choice.

Both of these guys look like they will be Pro Bowl calibre players for ten years. Great characters and outstanding work ethics.
There seems to be a consensus that Monroe is the better player right now, but that Smith has the higher upside due to his better athleticism and short time playing the position.

Just pick one of them already.

by NorthLeft12 on Mar 27, 2009 10:24 AM EDT reply actions  

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