Thursday Notes: Ronald Curry Visits Lions; Draft Board Not Yet Finalized

by Sean Yuille on Apr 16, 2009 2:30 AM EDT in Notes Comment 19 comments

Free agent wide receiver Ronald Curry visited the Lions on Wednesday. The Lions just added Will Franklin and are continuing to search for receivers to upgrade the position as a whole. Curry had a good couple seasons in Oakland but struggled in 2008. Even so, he is a veteran and someone who could probably contribute.
I have a hard time believing Matthew Stafford being the top pick is a done deal when Jim Schwartz just claimed that the Lions' draft board isn't even finalized yet. Apparently they're just finishing up getting each position ranked and haven't even started the overall rankings. Of course, he could be lying through his teeth to throw people off, and maybe I can't recognize that simply because of what I'm used to in the past. Then again, is there really an incentive to lie that much? It's not like any team is going to trade for the top pick, so I wouldn't understand the need to throw out that much disinformation. It seems just about as unlikely as Stafford having a contract ready to roll already.
Schwartz also recently said that the Lions will re-evaluate their quarterback situation after the minicamp that starts on Friday. Right now the quarterbacks on the roster are Daunte Culpepper, Drew Stanton, and Drew Henson. If Matthew Stafford or another QB is drafted, Henson will likely be gone, and Stanton could be released as well if a veteran backup is signed. There's no point in speculating, though, as the draft is only nine days away. By then every situation with the roster will probably be different, so let's just save the speculating since it will be moot shortly.
One other thing Schwartz said was that Jeff Backus will play at left tackle during the minicamp, which isn't all that surprising. Again, things can and probably will change after the draft. If a tackle is drafted, Backus will be moved to left guard. Until that happens, however, he will stay at tackle.
Mike Mayock basically summed up my thoughts on why the Lions shouldn't draft Matthew Stafford in a conference call on Wednesday.

"The way I look at the quarterback position is it's the most important position in the NFL," Mayock said. "But you better make sure you're going to bang the table and believe in the guy if you're going to take him in the top 10 like I did with Matt Ryan a year ago. He was my No. 1 guy the whole year for a reason. I don't feel the same way about (Matt) Stafford, so if I'm the Lions I take Eugene Monroe and I worry about the quarterback position either at No. 20, trading up from 20, next year, whatever. But me personally, I couldn't afford to take a shot at No. 1 where if I'm wrong I think I set the franchise back another five years."
This has been my position on Stafford ever since discussion about the No. 1 pick began. Although he is the top QB in the draft in many people's mind, that doesn't mean he is a top pick overall. I still feel like Stafford isn't an elite player and has a higher chance of being a bad pick than someone like Aaron Curry, Jason Smith, or Eugene Monroe. Of course, any player could end up being a bust; that is just part of the draft. However, I just feel like this is one gamble the Lions can't take.

As far as who Mayock thinks the Lions should draft, Monroe, I would be more than happy with that scenario. The Lions could then target a quarterback with the 20th pick if someone drops, or they could even look into trading up if someone like Mark Sanchez is still around after the top ten picks are done. Regardless, I like the way Mayock has this draft analyzed. It seems like every analyst out there has an agenda of some sort, but Mayock doesn't give off that impression. That's probably only because of Mel Kiper, though. This isn't Stafford's fault, but Kiper has been the driver of his bandwagon based primarily on the fact that he had Stafford being a No. 1 pick coming out of high school. Why change your mind when you have come this close to being right?
Pro Football Talk is reporting that Adam Schefter is going to leave NFL Network for ESPN later this year. I would be pissed off if this move came to fruition, as I truly believe Schefter is one of the very best in the business. Part of the reason why I think that is because he doesn't work for ESPN, where they are all about getting the story before anyone else, whether it is true or not. Chris Mortenson has been behind a few stories that turned out to be not true, and it seems like Schefter always comes out as being the one with the credible information. I would hate to see him leave NFL Network for ESPN, because some of his credibility would go out the door with him the moment he signed with the Worldwide Leader.
It's playoff time, Detroit! The Red Wings open the playoffs tonight against the Blue Jackets, beginning their quest to defend their Stanley Cup title. For full coverage of the Wings, check out Winging It In Motown.

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1st pick

To be honest, I just want a guy signed soon. I believe that Stafford, Sanchez, Monroe, J. Smith and Curry will be good players and will help the Lions immensely. I just wanna wake up one morning and see that we have one of those guys signed, and for a reasonable price, nothing outlandish. As far as Stafford goes, I have my concerns, but no more than I do about Sanchez. I believe that Monroe and Curry are the safer picks and in my opinion, that should be our path this year.

I also like that Schwartz and co. seem to have done a lot of homework. It’s important that we look at every player in this draft and make sure they get guys who are not only talented, but will help this team win games, that’s who we should be looking for and I think they are doing that.

2009 = The start of the Lions Golden Age (We hope).

by Hyperion Ecta on Apr 16, 2009 2:43 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

What will we do when someone is signed?

I obviously mean this in jest, but man, there will be so much less to talk about. Then again, we will probably argue about the pick well into July before realizing that it is time to move on and focus on the start of training camp.

Pride of Detroit, SB Nation's Lions Blog

by Sean Yuille on Apr 16, 2009 3:28 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I suspect there will be enough discussion to last us to draft day.

I think part of the impatience is that the anticipation is just killing me. Having someone signed at least gives us something concrete to talk about. I also find the #20 pick to be very intriguing so I think much of the conversation would divert to that poition, especially since we know what we have at #1.

2009 = The start of the Lions Golden Age (We hope).

by Hyperion Ecta on Apr 16, 2009 4:02 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

They do need to make sure they have 1-1 signed BEFORE they draft him

I don’t want another JaMarcus Russell episode, whether it’s a QB or not. Monroe would be an excellent selection. i like him better than Jason Smith. I’m still on the Curry bandwagon, though. i wouldn’t be upset if they chose Sanchez over Stafford either.

I has a blog

"A child of five would understand this. Send someone to fetch a child of five." ~Groucho Marx

by Jettero2112 on Apr 16, 2009 6:32 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

PISTONS TOO!!!

I THINK THAT THERE IS A BLOG FOR THEM TOO

by BennieBladesFan on Apr 16, 2009 9:25 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Hey lets not forget about the rest of our picks.

The draft does not stop after round one.
We also have the first pick of round two [#33] and three [#65], and a mid third round [#82] which are critical to adding starters onto our low talent team. Our four picks in the sixth and seventh rounds should add much needed depth and competition on both sides of the ball.

You guys should take some time and look at the guys available in those rounds. The best teams live off their third round picks.

by NorthLeft12 on Apr 16, 2009 10:14 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I agree

by detroit lou on Apr 16, 2009 10:26 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I have to admit that...

Mayock’s assessment of Stafford worries me. Mayock is the one analyst that I probably look to more than anyone else. Obviously, the guy is not infallible. But it does concern me that he doesn’t think that highly of Stafford. Then again, if any of you watched NFL Total Access last night, there was Mayock sitting and breaking down film with Stafford – praising him for his analysis of defensive coverage. So go figure.

Bottom line, though, is that if Mayock’s assessment is correct – 1) the Lions won’t take Stafford over the other top prospects and 2) if they do take him AND Mayock is right… we still obviously don’t have the right GM and it won’t be the only mistake Mayhew will make. Oh boy… mediocrity here we come. Stay positive… stay positive… stay positive… I chant that in my sleep, you guys.

I also agree with you on Schefter, Sean. He is hands down the best inside reporter for the NFL. ESPN is a joke of a network filled with blowhards and a sea of misinformation. Minus the team of Chris Berman and T.J., there’s not a single other show I’d tune in to watch (maybe P.T.I). The NFL Network has revolutionized access to the NFL and I’d be a lost soul without it. If I can’t tune into the whole hour of Total Access, I at least tune into Schefter spinnin’ me around the league. Best stuff out there. I’d HATE for him to go to ESPN.

by DrewsLions on Apr 16, 2009 10:40 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I don't mean to be negative.......really.

But lets see how Matt Ryan does in 2009 and 2010 before he is annointed the next Peyton Manning. His 2008 was excellent for a rookie, but his final numbers were just behind Matt Schaub, Jeff Garcia, and Matt Cassell, and just ahead of Shaun Hill and Seneca Wallace.

How often do the draft mavens go back and review all their touts to see how they turned out in the long run?

by NorthLeft12 on Apr 16, 2009 11:59 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Agreed on Schefter

ESPN has become the CNN/Fox News of the sports world. Watered-down, “get-it-first” coverage blanketed with talking heads screaming at each other. Schefter will be missed on the far superior NFL Network.

by AZ Yooper on Apr 16, 2009 3:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree.

Mayock’s exactly right. Period. It’s a game of chances in the draft….and if we take Stafford, we are gambling unnecessarily at this point.

GO LIONS! RESTORE THE ROAR!

by Twon82 on Apr 16, 2009 12:50 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

The Mayock assessment is a concern, but

I’d still side with the true NFL scouts on Stafford. If he’s the pick, it will be a unanimous decision and the Lions will be confident in him.

by DrewsLions on Apr 16, 2009 5:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Me and Mayock

Should hang out. I just like seeing someone who’s opinion can sway Drews, since I’ve been trying for awhile with no success. The Curry bandwagon just got a little heavier hopefully.

by MattyZ on Apr 16, 2009 1:07 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I just trust his opinion... most of the time

I hope he’s wrong. He’s been wrong before and like all analysts, he’s simply that… a television analyst. He does seem to be right more often than not and his analysis gives me reason to pause. But ultimately… here I go again with my catch phrase… if the Lions don’t love Stafford, they won’t draft him. If they love him, I think there’s a good chance he’ll succeed.

By the way… I should patent that phrase. Get like a nickel everytime someone on the internet uses it. I’d probably make like a $1.40. In this economy, that’s worth something.

Oh yeah… Matty? I’m still on the Stafford bandwagon. I’ll be there until at least 4:10pm on April 25th. If they don’t draft Stafford, I’ll be grabbing my belongings and heading for the nearest Curry, Smith or Monroe bandwagon… whichever is heading the direction of Allen Park.

by DrewsLions on Apr 16, 2009 6:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

The shocks on a bandwagon

have got to be ACDelco, there’s no way a taiwan brand could handle so much up and down.
I’d hold a spot for you on the don’t draft stafford wagon but I’ve got to keep the aisles clear in the event I have to jump on Shiny’s. And at that point I will claim to have been there since the wheels went on

by MattyZ on Apr 16, 2009 8:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

bangin the table

go mayock!!! i agree whole heartedly with his assessment of stafford. the only players that im banging the table for at #1 is the baylor tackle, monroe or curry.

every year, lions fans always have to go back and look at who we could have selected with our draft picks, or worse, they play against us and have career days. i feel we could do our team alot of good for years to come if we could draft defenders with the high draft picks, particularly, at middle backer, d-tackle and safety. go lions!!

by big smoove on Apr 16, 2009 2:37 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I agree... partially.

I am not completely sold on Stafford either. I feel that Mark Sanchez is the “real” QB of this draft and could give you a host of reasons why I feel this way. Now, that doesn’t mean that I think Stafford will be a bust if given the right situation, but I do think that when we look back at these two QBs in 3 years, I think Sanchez will be the better.

What I do know about Kiper’s preference in Stafford is his physical tools. He is taller and a bit bigger than Sanchez. He has a stronger arm than Sanchez and seems to be a bit more athletic. What he doesn’t have is a pro game. Mostly because of the system he came out of.

Sanchez is the more polished QB, but without all the flare. He has trained to be a QB since middle school and was trained by former NFL QB Rob Johnson. he is listed at 6’1 but might be a bit shorter, his arm strength is rated as above average, but his accuracy is much higher as most scouts list him as being “able to make all the throws.” Say what you will about the USC system and Pete Caroll, but they produce football players.

I think it would be a VERY wise decision if the Lions passed on Stafford and went after Monroe then tried to move up with the 20 pick and scoop Sanchez. Sanchez, Johnson, two new tackles, and Smith coming out of the backfield would be the future to a very potent offense.

However, Kiper has been right about a lot of prospects (that’s why ESPN pays him). Perhaps he is on to something.

Go Bears!

by ChicagoMarine on Apr 16, 2009 3:58 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs