The First Pick Controversy for Detroit Lions in the NFL Draft!

As unfortunate as it may seem, I am a Lions fan! I grew up in the city of Detroit, I was educated within the city limits, and I have come to love this city and their professional sport teams, including the Detroit Lions.

In about a month, Detroit will embark upon a historic moment- to be the first 0-16 team to select in the NFL Draft—and five years from now, we will either say one of two things about their selected picks from the 2009 NFL draft: "Those picks were a building block for their success" or "Those picks were a waste of time, talent, and money"

Nevertheless, that brings me to my main question: "What should the Lions do with the first pick of the 2009 NFL Draft?"  

Personally, I have heard many suggestions:

• They should select a franchise quarterback, i.e. Matthew Stafford
• They should stabilize their offensive line and select Jason Smith; he's a safe pick, who will be available for another 10 years or so.
• They should trade the pick and seek additional picks in the 2nd and 3rd round.

Well, in my opinion, I do not think any of these ideas would be suffice for the Detroit Lions for the following reasons: 1.) They hold the "number one pick" in the NFL Draft; 2.) The Lions are not too far from being a contender in the NFL.

Too often, I think people forget the power of having the "number one pick" in the NFL Draft.

With this pick, the Lions' firmly hold the entire draft in their hands; meaning, they have negotiating power.

• They could select Matthew Stafford
• They could trade the pick away for additional picks
• They could select a player whom they have no interest in just to negotiate a trade with another team

Simply put, the Lions are finally in the drivers seat. And although I am not happy with the Detroit Lions' record, I am excited that they hold the power of the "number one pick".

So the question becomes, "Who should the Lions take with the first pick?"

Although there are not many "great players" available in this years draft, I think only one player is deserving of this pick- namely, Aaron Curry.

He is the most dominating player in the NFL Draft, and he would immediately help the Detroit Lions win more games than they did last season. 

In addition, Aaron Curry would give the Lions negotiating power to trade with another team, such as the Cleveland Browns or Kansas City Chiefs, who were hoping that the Lions would take another player.

Ideally, I think the Lions should draft and keep Aaron Curry. Think about it! When was the last time the Lions selected a defensive player in the first round?

The last defensive player taken by the Detroit Lions in the first round was Ernie Sims in 2006, from Florida State University. Why not take another linebacker, in the first round, who is arguably better than Ernie Sims?  

Not only that, but look who they hired as a head coach. Jim Schwartz, a defensive coordinator from the Tennessee Titans, will naturally look to solidify the defensive side of the ball, first. Wouldn't taking the best defensive player available make sense?  

So, you are listen to all the commentators and analysis state their opinion, but when April 25th comes and goes....and when the Lions take Aaron Curry with the first pick, please remember that you heard it here, first.