Who Will the Lions Select With the First Overall Pick In the 2009 NFL Draft?

On April 25, the Lions are cursed with the overall first pick in a draft that lacks one standout choice. 

Reports coming from Detroit suggest they have not yet decided on one player. Reports also suggest they want the player to be signed by the 25th as well. Three names keep being thrown around to be the first pick.

Mathew Stafford is reportedly the front runner for the pick according Mel Kiper Jr., who has a personal relationship with Stafford. 

The criticism of Stafford has been he is inconsistent. On his pro day, at the University of Georgia, his completion percentage was over 90. That said, he was in shorts. Stafford also has said all the right things about possibly being chosen by the Lions at No. 1. 

Drafting Stafford would fill the eventual hole the Lions have at the quarterback position. However, his sign-ability is an issue. Another issue is he may not play for a sustained period of time.

Aaron Curry, the linebacker out of Wake Forest, is reportedly the "safest player in the draft." The thought of Curry lining up next to Ernie Sims provides hope of suring up the defense. 

Lions head coach Schwartz sang praises of Curry and his abilities. A criticism of Curry is he comes from a "lesser football university." He is the best defensive football player in the draft. 

Like Stafford, Curry has said all the right things about possibly being chosen by the Lions at No. 1.  An, upside is he would start immediately on the Lions defense.

The third player being thrown around as a possible first overall pick is OT Jason Smith out of Baylor. Reportedly, he is the best offensive lineman in the draft. Ahead of Andre Smith (Alabama) and Eugene Monroe (Virginia). 

The major criticism of Jason Smith is actually a bias. Detroit sports talk radio keeps talking about how it doesn't sound right that with the first pick in the 2009 Daft the Detroit Lions select tackle Jason Smith from Baylor. 

Drafting Smith would sure up the offensive line, he would start and provide protection for Culpepper at QB. An interesting facet to this is Eugene Monroe is supposed to be the best offensive lineman in the draft. 

These three players all possess the skills the Lions need. These three players all have their upsides and their downsides. 

Not every tackle drafted turns out to be an Orlando Pace or Tony Mandarich. Not every quarterback turns out to be a Ryan Leaf or a Heath Shuler, and not every linebacker turns out to be Ray Lewis or Mike Mamula. 

Drafting is not a science. Rather, it is an imperfect lottery. Hopefully, the Lions have constructed the correct front office to aid in the building of this new era in Detroit Lions football.