It's Official: Lions to Pick Second in 2010 NFL Draft
by Sean Yuille on Jan 3, 2010 4:40 PM EST
in NFL Draft
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PrintThe St. Louis Rams are officially the worst team in the NFL this season after losing to the 49ers 28-6 today. The loss by the Rams means they finished the 2009 season with a 1-15 record, giving them the first overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft. Since the Lions lost to the Bears today to finish with a 2-14 record, they officially have the second overall pick of the draft. This is the third time in four years the Lions will pick in the top two of the draft. Last year the Lions obviously had the top pick, and in 2007 the Lions picked Calvin Johnson with the second selection.
It will be interesting to see how the top of the draft plays out, because the most asked question will definitely be about whether or not the Rams will select a quarterback. To me it seems pretty obvious that they have a definite need for a quarterback, but then again, Ndamukong Suh seems like a once in a blue moon talent at defensive tackle. I guess what it will come down to is if St. Louis feels that Suh is simply too talented to pass up and if St. Louis feels it can pick up a QB at some other point in the draft.
For the Lions, it will be another year where the best player available is selected. The good news is that even if Suh isn't around when the Lions go on the clock, it seems like there are quite a few other players who are top-five talents. Considering how many needs the Lions have, whoever the pick is should be able to come in and immediately make this team better. Personally I hope that player is Ndamukong Suh, but that is simply my opinion right now. It's a long way until April, and as we have all learned before, a lot can change until the draft actually arrives.
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2010 draft fever!
It will be interesting to see if Spagnuolo (sp?) will use head coach hat or defensive coordinator hat. Even if he goes with Suh, we could still pick up a pass rushing DE or left tackle with that pick.
by jvp123 on Jan 3, 2010 4:59 PM EST via mobile reply actions
If Suh is gone.....
I’d bet on Eric Berry in round 1 and a DT later in the draft, along with a guard or two.
Berry is awesome
But #2 I’m a little unsure, Lions need some power and size. But that’s what the combine is for.
PIZZA?!?
Berry and Delmas
Having two fantastic athletes at safety would definitely be interesting. I’m curious if they play too similar of styles to play well together or if Berry is more of the ball hawk to Delmas’ thump? Would love some feedback on this idea.
by ShakersJacobson on Jan 3, 2010 11:11 PM EST up reply actions
A Look Back.
Sean, now that the season is over what grade would you give the Lions 2009 draft class? Below i’ve posted your original player and overall grades.
Rd. # Player Pos. College Grade
1 1 Matthew Stafford QB Georgia C
1 20 Brandon Pettigrew TE Oklahoma St. B+
2 33 Louis Delmas S Western Mich. B-
3 76 DeAndre Levy LB Wisconsin D+
3 82 Derrick Williams WR Penn State D+
4 115 Sammie Lee Hill DT Stillman A
6 192 Aaron Brown RB TCU D
7 228 Lydon Murtha OT Nebraska B
7 235 Zack Follett LB California A
7 255 Dan Gronkowski TE Maryland D
OVERALL C+
The overall grade could have easily been a B-, and looking back I’m starting to think I may have under-graded the Delmas and Pettigrew picks. Regardless, I’m sticking with my initial thoughts and gave the Lions a C+ for their draft as a whole. There were a few good picks, a few questionable ones, and a few in between.
by YouGonnaEatThat? on Jan 3, 2010 5:28 PM EST reply actions
I will probably put up a post going back and re-grading them
But I agree that I under-graded some picks.
Pride of Detroit, SB Nation's Lions Blog
Yeah
In my opinion, after the fact, I think you missed on Stafford, Delmas, Levy, Hill, Brown, Murtha, and Pettigrew. I think you underrated all of them except for Hill, Murtha, and Pettigrew. I think Hill is a surprising C at this point, and Pettigrew was a disappointing C. I agreed with your grade on Murtha at the time of the post, but now I think his injuries make him little more than a C or C-….until he improves the strength of the muscles in his legs anyway. Both Hill and Pettigrew are young players with a lot of room to improve, and I have hope and faith that they will. However, you were right on the money with you grades for Williams, Follett (the guy is an outstanding special teamer and depth LB, who has a HUGE motor), and Big Dan Gronkowski (who I had high hopes for after the Pettigrew injury….he just didn’t get the job done).
My rankings (post season):
Stafford – A (the injuries are not his fault and this kid is the real deal)
Pettigrew – C (lots of room to improve)
Delmas – A (should be DROY in my opinion)
Levy – B (he made a good show of it this year, but he has room to improve)
Williams – D+ (he was a poor player all year, but he could get better still)
Hill – C (lots of room to improve)
Brown – C+ (showed signs of explosiveness and receiving ability, but sucks as a kick returner….lots of room for improvement)
Murtha – C (he’s gone, and injury prone, but he could still be a solid backup or fill in starter in the future….lots of potential)
Follett – A (awesome special teamer, great tackler, huge motor, an all around gamer and excellent for depth)
Gronkowski – D (He has potential, but he failed when given the opportunity…his ceiling is pretty low I think)
OVERALL – Still a C+……better than average, and a few great picks. Your original prediction was pretty close in my opinion Sean.
How can you give Follett....
……..an A grade and Hill a C?……Yes Hill needs to improve some but he started all year in the NFL at DT as a 4th round pick from a div 2 school…..I thought he did everythng we asked…..He also played very hard……If You give Follett an A then Hill gets an A i my mind…..I wouold say Follett gets an incomplete not an A….We did not see enough of him.
by BennieBladesFan on Jan 3, 2010 6:22 PM EST up reply actions
I can give Follett an A while I give Hill a C.....
Because Follett did everything that we EXPECTED him to do, while Sammie Lee Hill did not. Yeah, Hill did play hard and he did the best he could, but do you contend to say that he did ALL that is expected of him as an NFL DT?? No, at his position and in order to be able to do what he is expected to do, he has FAR more to improve on than Zack Follett does. Follett was a 7th round pick! Hill was a 3rd rounder. That in and of itself is enough reason to say that Hill is only average for a third rounder, while Follett is outstanding as a 7th rounder…..for their EXPECTED roles and respective positions.
Not to get into pissing matches with you today, KDawg...
but I disagree about Hill. Aside from injury, he started every game (I think) this season and played pretty well at times. I know because I’ve watched a few of the games a second time and keyed on his play. He gets good push more than not. This from a fourth round pick that appears to have good upside. I think that’s good value… better than average ©. I’d give him a solid B.
But… this is coming from someone who hasn’t actually watched a game this year…. ;o)
I was being sarcastic with the whole "I wonder if you watched the games" comment
I knew that you were using your DVR for the games, and watching them over and over (just like I have been). Your opinion shocks me even more because of that fact. But I have to admit, I let the reply you gave get to me a bit more than I intended.
your rantings are definetly better then the first guys
These rankings are terrible
1 1 Matthew Stafford QB Georgia C
1 20 Brandon Pettigrew TE Oklahoma St. B+
2 33 Louis Delmas S Western Mich. B-
3 76 DeAndre Levy LB Wisconsin D+
Well HIll was supposed to be.....
…..a backup this year so I would say that he played well for a guy that wasent suposed to start……Plus he was a 4th rounder……I would give him a Solid B with lots of potential.
by BennieBladesFan on Jan 3, 2010 6:59 PM EST up reply actions
I'm with Bennie on this one
Hill was a huge project when we selected him. I gave the pick an A at the time because I saw a ton of potential in Hill, and I probably would still give that an A because he progressed much quicker than I expected. I certainly didn’t think he’d be a starter as quickly as he was.
Pride of Detroit, SB Nation's Lions Blog
Ok.....I will concede
I will go middle of the road with you guys on this one then, since I see your points. So let’s say Hill deserves a B grade. The overall is still a C+.
Right Sean
He was a project, and he progressed fast, i think most thought he was 2 years out from where he finished. In college at that level he played every where because he was so much bigger and better, but big fish in a small pond. But i think he held his own this year and look foreward to the next 2-3 years.
Right on Bennie
2009 = The start of the Lions Golden Age (We hope).
Zack Follett: he will hurt your mind.
by Hyperion Ecta on Jan 4, 2010 6:07 PM EST up reply actions
Overall Draft grade: B
I think we need to give Hill a slightly higher grade (B+) and ‘Grew a slightly higher grade (B+). I think you’re giving Zach too much love KDawg as well but overall I think your grades are pretty accurate.
I spray paint my dog Honolulu Blue and Silver
Pic - me in one of my LIONS shirts
endless potential with Pett
if he heals… he will be a force but he need time… heal fast Pettigrew… YOU and CJ could have one hell of a year… with Stafford
GO LIONS in 2010! the transformation starts now.. they have much to do.
KDawg out of context.
The original subject of my post was to get everyone to look at what they thought about the 2009 draft class from start to finish of the 2009 season.
I’m with kdawg on this, remember we’re talking about 2009, not 2009 and beyond. You can talk about beyond if you like but you’re taking KDawg out of context.
Of course Grew has untapped potential, what he does not have is endless potential, I understand it’s just a saying but there is no such thing.
If Micheal Jordan had “endless potential” He’d be scoring 50 a game at 50 years old while Marv Albert reminds us all every 10 seconds about how bright this kids future is.
by YouGonnaEatThat? on Jan 4, 2010 12:00 AM EST up reply actions
Exactly....
…..thats why I cant give follett an a when he wastn even on the team for the 1st 12 games of the season.
by BennieBladesFan on Jan 4, 2010 10:37 AM EST up reply actions
you are right.
I would not give Follet an A , I will give him a B+ for the simple fact he has proved this year that although he was picked in the 7th rd. (and i expected absolutely nothing from him this year) that he can get down the field on special teams and lay the wood on people.
I think the hit on the St. Louis returner was the one that said “Can you hear me now!?”
Do I think he will become a capable LB?
No.
I do believe he will become an outstanding special teamer in line with the likes of Steve Tasker. By the way… FIRE STAN KWAN!
by YouGonnaEatThat? on Jan 4, 2010 11:51 AM EST up reply actions
Except.....
…..come on late before he got hurt and really improve his run blocking……if he didnt get hurt he was on his way fro a great finish….he was just starting to hit his stride.
by BennieBladesFan on Jan 4, 2010 10:36 AM EST up reply actions
the rams will take a qb
I dont care how good suh is the rams need a QB. realistically suh would not be a big help to their team because they arent going anywhere without a QB. I understand Suh is unbelievable but they really need a QB. Suh will be a lion unless the rams trade down.
Yes They Will....
…..Bt they wont ake one in the 1st round becasue they will take Suh….Theyd be dumb not too…..Nebraska is right next door and all those fans are rams fans…..May as well pencil in Suh to the rams.
by BennieBladesFan on Jan 3, 2010 6:07 PM EST up reply actions
Would like to say this.
it seems like there are quite a few other players who are top-five talents.
Yeah sean? really? There are more than five players in the draft? Because that is the only parameter to have top five talent in a draft.
ahahahaha just had to bust your chops.
Lol
Well some years it seems like there are players who are in the top five but are reaches. This year I don’t think that will be the case.
Pride of Detroit, SB Nation's Lions Blog
Not sure
The Rams really need a QB. But, honestly, if you were a Rams fan, who would you rather have? The best QB (whoever you think it may be) or Suh? There is no QB prospect out there I like as much as, say, Stafford (and I didn’t want Staff last year), and Suh certainly seems like the smarter pick. Just because you want them to act stupid doesn’t mean they will.
lets hope they are
but there is a lot of time from now and draft time… we’ll see …..kansascity may want to move up they are still a top 5 pick area… but there are a lot of angles… Suh would be great but we have till April…. anything is possible
GO LIONS in 2010! the transformation starts now.. they have much to do.
fans dont make the choice or else
aaron curry would be on the lions. remember when the lions introduced their new uniforms fans were saying draft curry and dont draft stafford and the lions did the exact opposite. their is a reason that they r in charge and we r just fans. Rams cant just take any QB they need one they believe in and it dosent matter how good suh is they need a big time QB and the only way to get one is to draft one in the first round. I understand their are some teams tht did differently but most teams use high first round picks on QB’s and Suh himself will not change that.
We got lucky...
1. STL’s only win was against the Lions (AT DETROIT).
2. The Browns and Redskins games could’ve easily went in favor of the other teams. The Browns lost on a last second play that we got lucky to even have….and the Redskins were just one explosion play away from beating us.
I don’t know what is wrong in Detroit’s football culture. But damnit it’s hard to keep putting my emotions into it. But I have to, for the hope that Schwartz and Stafford and the rest of the crew continue to improve together.
GO LIONS! RESTORE THE ROAR!
well
we lost to Arizona by a TD, Steelers by a TD etc… a couple of less Int’s and we could be 5-11 or a better D? just a thought
we are 2-14… they will get better!! Count on it. This is different…
GO LIONS in 2010! the transformation starts now.. they have much to do.
Agreed
Totally agree Dinordo. The Lions had some ugly games and some very competitive loses. Minus some of the injuries and add a bit of experience I believe we could have taken 5 or 6.
And if you’ve never heard this one… Wait till Next Year!
by YouGonnaEatThat? on Jan 4, 2010 12:18 AM EST up reply actions
I'm putting my grades later this week
instead of my normal trivia. I will say though that I disagree with some of the grades that KDawg has put up, but only slightly.
I do agree with Twon that something is wrong with the culture of this team. Besides St. Louis every team in the NFL had a “comfortable” win this year. We didn’t even come close to a comfortable win, blowout, 10 point victory, whatever. Is there a hex on this organization? What is it Is it sheer talent, or lack thereof, or something bigger?? I do know one thing we can’t have 6 coaches again this decade and expect to win a lot of games. I’m just really sick of losing.
I spray paint my dog Honolulu Blue and Silver
Pic - me in one of my LIONS shirts
PS
I still say there is no way the Rams pass on Suh but here’s to hoping!!!
I spray paint my dog Honolulu Blue and Silver
Pic - me in one of my LIONS shirts
ya think? Still??
The Rams passed for 80 yards total today between 2 qb’s….57 for Null and 23 for Boller.
They have one of the best RB’s in the game, they used the #2 overall last year on OL Smith, and the year before that they used the #2 overall on DE Long. That’s about $100 mil tied up in 2 lineman with 2 draft picks over the last 2 years….with limited production I might add.
You think if they looked back at those two opportunities that they might like to have Joe Flacco, Mark Sanchez, or Josh Freeman???
Even if Suh is the second coming, they need to invest in a playmaker that handles the ball 60 snaps a game. Unless suh can hold the opposing QB to less than 80 yards, then they have a real problem.
If they don’t take the best qb off the board with the 1st pick, they are just S-T-U-pid.
Just give me 25 guys on the last year of their contracts; I'll win a pennant every year....Sparky Anderson
by footstock on Jan 4, 2010 12:06 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
The are 1-15 after all
And no NFL team gets there on lack of talent alone. So there’s a chance that the Rams pass up a QB.
Official BYB Juju Consultant...now accepting rally creature applications!
They will go Suh in Round 1
and QB in Round 2. You can get value at QB in the 2nd round for sure, especially this year.
I spray paint my dog Honolulu Blue and Silver
Pic - me in one of my LIONS shirts
All QB's are a crap shoot in the draft...
the secret is to limit your risk on the roll of the dice. You do that by getting one of the top 2 qb’s if you have the opportunity (based on BPA analysis) and letting the chips fall where they may.
Last year, they could have got Pat White in the second or Rhett Bomar in the fourth (after Stafford, Sanchez, and Freeman). The year before, they could have got Brian Brohm, Chad Henne, or Kevin O’Connell after passing on Ryan and Flacco.
So you see NYC, that the QB’s after the first round the last two years would have netted you one starting QB (Henne) versus 5 starters in the first round. Yes, there are successful examples of later round qb’s like Brady and Montana, but for every Montana and Brady , there are hundreds that were a roll of the dice and turned up craps.
To minimize risk, you have to get the BPA at QB as early as you can in order to have the best chance of success. There are 8 teams that need a QB this year, and while this seems to be a deep draft for QB’s, I think that the top 4 QB’s will be off the board in round one.
Would you really put your franchise at risk of having 80 yards per game passing so that you can draft the 5th best player at the most critical position on the field?
Just give me 25 guys on the last year of their contracts; I'll win a pennant every year....Sparky Anderson
Good question Footstock
and when you have 1 out of 32 picks and only 7 rounds WITH a Suh on the board I think you do roll the dice and grab Suh #1 overall and see what value you can get in the second round. Specifically in this draft class you can get TEBOW in probably the 3rd round!!! I think St. Louis does the smart (and most cost effective) thing and drafts Suh #1 and waits for a QB. Again, this is only my opinion but I think it’s the most sensible for the Rams
I spray paint my dog Honolulu Blue and Silver
Pic - me in one of my LIONS shirts
I don't understand how you think that's the smart thing...
Suh won’t move the offense, won’t put points on the board, and only impacts a limited amount of defensive plays.
He won’t sell as many jerseys, he won’t sell season tickets (most people won’t buy a ticket cuz they want to watch a lineman push the pocket)…he is a blessing for a team with a QB, but St Louis doesn’t have that luxury.
The limited recent evidence seems to show that they are far less likely to get a starting qb in the 2nd round or later, but you are hell bent that they will forego a qb. You are smart NYC, but it make no sense to me.
Besides, I don’t think Tebow makes it out of the 1st round, and I think 4 QB’s are gone by the 33rd pick.
Aside from these discussions, if I was the Rams, I would make a play for Michael Vick with my 2nd round pick, and draft Suh too. That’s what I would do…toodle-loo.
Just give me 25 guys on the last year of their contracts; I'll win a pennant every year....Sparky Anderson
Ahhhhhhhhhhh Footstock
the debate rages on!!! LOL. I certainly see your point of view and I truly hope you (and a lot of others besides det32 and Bennie) are right and the Rams draft a QB. I personally don’t see it but lets wait and see.
In the meantime your Michael Vick scenario also plays out well. That would be something the Rams will consider I’m sure. There’s no question this team needs a QB but I think they don’t give up Suh for it.
I spray paint my dog Honolulu Blue and Silver
Pic - me in one of my LIONS shirts
Here's the bet between you...
When the rams draft a qb…I want you to write an article on POD that says…
“I was wrong…Footstock is SOOO smart” AND then 75 more words praising the wisdom of footstock. I will do the same for you IF the Rams don’t trade for Vick and they pass on a qb. LOL, this should be fun…put your keyboard where your mouth is. :-)
I mentioned it before, my preference is to trade the #2 for 2 first round picks. If we get a 2nd rounder in addition, that would be the bees knees. (a bonus)
Just give me 25 guys on the last year of their contracts; I'll win a pennant every year....Sparky Anderson
Agreed Footstock
If the Rams pas on Suh (which they won’t) I will write a fanpost praising you!!! It’s a deal set in stone!!!
LOL – put your keyboard where your mouth is!! Too funny
I spray paint my dog Honolulu Blue and Silver
Pic - me in one of my LIONS shirts
Deal.
as they say down south,
“I don’t want to put words in your mouth…cuz that aint sanitary”.
Just give me 25 guys on the last year of their contracts; I'll win a pennant every year....Sparky Anderson
Sounds like fun
I reckon you might be the underdog in this one NYC. I reckon the Rams will pick a QB.
2009 = The start of the Lions Golden Age (We hope).
Zack Follett: he will hurt your mind.
by Hyperion Ecta on Jan 4, 2010 6:14 PM EST up reply actions
Its a no lose situation Hyper
If the Rams DO select a QB then I will happily post that Footstock is a genius.
If the Rams DO select Suh then I get the congratulatory post and we still get a quality DT with the second pick.
I spray paint my dog Honolulu Blue and Silver
Pic - me in one of my LIONS shirts
Yes, your are right there
2009 = The start of the Lions Golden Age (We hope).
Zack Follett: he will hurt your mind.
by Hyperion Ecta on Jan 5, 2010 5:01 PM EST up reply actions
dude there is nothing for QB this year
McCoy will likley go to vikings with there 1st
Tebow will likley go to jags with there 1st
bradford and cleasen(how ever it spelled) will go in top 10
but there is a brick shit hose of DT this year none might as be as good as suh but all so might not have the re flags he has
the rams are all so avg 10.9 points a game.. and wenk linemen the last 3 years they need to get some skilled positions
and with this econame and CBA crashing no shere revanew they need to go with what will put the most buts in seats and with what will sell the most shit thats QB
no one is going to pay to see suh get 6 takles 1 sack and one PD.. but people will pay to see a QB pass for 250 yards and 3 tds
maybe det32
But our opinions differ. We will have to wait and see in April. There are (as always) good arguments for both sides. It all ends up in the hands of the FO for each respective franchise.
I spray paint my dog Honolulu Blue and Silver
Pic - me in one of my LIONS shirts
I've just started my research, and in that short time I've already made up my mind
I think the Rams will go after Clausen.
2009 = The start of the Lions Golden Age (We hope).
Zack Follett: he will hurt your mind.
by Hyperion Ecta on Jan 4, 2010 6:15 PM EST up reply actions
rams fan here
no way we pass on SUH. Yea our offense is aboslutly terrible. We have no #1 WR, Butterfinger TE, and no QB. Our O-Line has been battered within the last 4 or 5 weeks, resulting in low jackson yardage and tons of sacks. Too many areas to fix, not enough picks. I think we just earned a record for the worst 3 combined season record, 6-42 I think. I want a QB as bad as the next ram fan, but Bradfords injury really hurt the big QB discussion. He would have been similar to your Stafford pick last year over curry. The combine may improve some of the QB’s draft status but it seems to me like none of them are deserving of #1. And yes we have spend our last 2 year 1st rounders on a O-lineman & D-Lineman, which adds to the fact that our new organization is trying to build from the lines with no production to show as noted above. Suh will shore up the D-line with Long & James Laranitus(MLB) for a vastly improved D. SUH hopefully will improve our recent young defensive draft picks maybe nabbing a QB second. I may be wrong but no matter who we pick u will sure get a great value @#2. Berry/Gerald Mcoy are both great players.
+1
There is no way the Rams pass on Suh.
I spray paint my dog Honolulu Blue and Silver
Pic - me in one of my LIONS shirts
Thanks for the insight
All I know is, the FO office doesn’t think like we fans do, so don’t be surprised to notice the organisation seeing things differently.
2009 = The start of the Lions Golden Age (We hope).
Zack Follett: he will hurt your mind.
by Hyperion Ecta on Jan 5, 2010 5:03 PM EST up reply actions
Majority
A few were up for Stafford, a few were up for Monroe, or the Smiths.
2009 = The start of the Lions Golden Age (We hope).
Zack Follett: he will hurt your mind.
by Hyperion Ecta on Jan 5, 2010 8:27 PM EST up reply actions
Rams
They should take SUH but their offense is really bad. Did you guys see how many points they scored this year? They could of won todays game against SF if they could score. I think they might take a quarterback.
They averaged 11 points per game this year.
Our woeful Lions offence averaged 16.4 points a game. That tells you how awful their QB play is. And they have one of the best RBs in the NFL.
They will take a QB at number one. You heard it here.
Matthew Stafford A- ( think we found our QB)
Brandon Pettigrew B+ (was fine coming out then hurt)
Louis DelmasA+ ( ever thing and more)
DeAndre Levy A ( vary nice surprise)
Derrick Williams Z- ( um D Williams nuff said)
Sammie Lee Hill B (coming along well get double teamed alot just think if we can land suh)
Aaron Brown D ( vary inconsistent)
Zack Follett A (done ever thing we wanted him to do)
Dan Gronkowski N/A (on PS)
So Brown Gets A D?
as a 6th rounder becasue he was very inconsistent?…..Man I thought he did awesome as a 6th rounder…..You find me a 6th roudner that did more this year?…..He did everything I thought and more…..At least a C+…..D?…..Come on man he returned kicks played special teams made some great runs and catches…..Not to bad for a 6th rounder.
by BennieBladesFan on Jan 4, 2010 10:39 AM EST up reply actions
Another one in the books.
If nothing else we should all be able to agree that there is still a lot of room for improvement at several positions going into this off season. As far as evaluating this past draft class, I would only say that there are 2 standouts:
Matt Stafford and Louis Delmas
Some of the others show some promise, but those two made a significant impact on this team and I’m excited about what they’ll bring in the future. So while I’d love to see a player of Suh’s caliber playing in Honolulu Blue next season, I’m much more curious to see later picks making serious contributions on the field or players like Levy, Hill, Pettigrew step up and be players they can count on too.
"Under certain circumstances, profanity provides a relief denied even to prayer." -Mark Twain
Grades.....
Matthew Stafford A = Future stud showed it while playing threw injury.
Brandon Pettigrew B = Was starting to show great strides….Run blocking was great.
Louis DelmasA+ = Def ROY
DeAndre Levy A- = Loved this pick and I give him the same grade as then. Sean Will tell ya I called Levy from day 1.
Derrick Williams D= Really disapointed. Mainly in the passing game.
Sammie Lee Hill B = Needs to improve strength but for a guy that wasnt suposed ot start played great.
Aaron Brown C+ = For a 6th rounder what else can you ask. Will improve in 2010.
Zack Follett C = Good special teamer. Last 2 games missed some tackles and overran plays.
Dan Gronkowski INC
by BennieBladesFan on Jan 4, 2010 10:44 AM EST reply actions
Well, I was going to do a full team overhaul in the coming weeks
But I’ll do a quick grading for the rookies:
Stafford: B-
Love the kid, his guts and talent are fantastic, but he still struggled at times and I’m not comfortable giving out an A for a 1st rounder who wasn’t consistent. I’m not saying he was average, B- is a high grade, it’s just I don’t think he was our best pick this year. May be in the future though.
Pettigrew: C+
Struggled early but got much better before his injury. Played to about my expectations which is good.
Delmas: A
Best pick of the draft. A defensive leader with the skills to be in the pro-bowl in the future. My next jersey will have his name on the back. Nuff said.
Levy: B+
Enormously surprising. I wasn’t sure of what to think of him back in April but now I’m very happy with the pick. He shoots all over the field and makes tackles, especially in the run game.
Williams: D
Disappointing. Not much of a returner and didn’t do much in the passing game. May develop.
Hill: B-
I didn’t expect anything from him in April. Maybe some defensive rotation, but to start most games as he did and to be seen fit to hold that spot, well that’s an achievement. He didn’t put up stats but he looks to be a solid foundation for a line in the future (especially if we pick Suh).
Brown: C
Exciting player with boom potential. Lacks the ability to be an all-round back, but he is very useful. Like the pick.
Follett: C+
Good pick for a 7th. Is great depth and a dominent Special Teamer, I mean, he is the subject of my signature.
Gronkowski: D+
Hard to say. Looked ok in the pre-season. Didn’t play much during the regular season. We’ll see how he develops.
2009 = The start of the Lions Golden Age (We hope).
Zack Follett: he will hurt your mind.
by Hyperion Ecta on Jan 4, 2010 6:25 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
Very very accurate Hyper
Particularly your grade on Staff. You can’t give him an A when he lost at least 2 games for us (Seattle and the Thanksgiving game vs. GB come to mind. He also played awful vs. St. Louis). I just think your grade is based on facts and I agree with them.
I spray paint my dog Honolulu Blue and Silver
Pic - me in one of my LIONS shirts
I agree with your grades, HE.
I recced you. Your grades for Staff and ’Grew are right on.
They flashed some potential but A grades should only be for guys who have actually delivered consistently. Like Mr. Delmas.
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