Why Matthew Stafford Is Not the Answer for the Detroit Lions

Detroit is a long ways from mediocrity, and there is a strong likelihood they will still have a top pick in the 2010 draft, when QBs such as Bradford, McCoy, and Tebow are on the board. This is going to be a much-debated pick by Detroit.

Even the "experts" differ on what should be done with the pick. Mel Kiper, Jr. is sold on Stafford and has even gone on the record to say that "He’s a very good quarterback, that’s good enough, if you’re Detroit, they’d be happy to say he’s a very good quarterback."

Kiper's counterpart, Todd McShay says, “I’m not convinced he’s a franchise, elite quarterback, so I think I would pass on him. I would take a single or a double rather than shooting for a home run and maybe striking out."

The Lions need to be smart about this draft; they have nine picks and plenty of holes to plug. Free agents are not going to flock to the Motor City, so they are going to have to begin the rebuilding process via the draft. Detroit needs to key in on defensive players and rebuilding the "O" line.

Should they feel compelled to grab a QB, then may I recommend Chase Daniel (QB-Missouri). He's a competent, efficient, and scrappy player who has proven that he has the ability to take over a game when it matters the most and propel his team to victory.

In any event, Detroit just needs to take a page from the Parcell's book of rebuilding.

Go for the sure thing. Take Jason Taylor (OT-Baylor) to help shore up the line and protect Dante Culpepper or Aaron Curry (LB-Wake Forest) to start the process of giving the "D" an identity. They could even go out on a limb (albeit a short one) and take B.J. Raji (DT-Boston College) with the first pick of the draft.

Should they elect to take Curry, perhaps they would consider pairing him with James Laurinaitis when they select again at No. 20. Though stockpiling LBs may not be the best strategy, it would certainly go a long ways towards strengthening their defense.

Winning in the NFL comes down to fielding a strong "D." It wasn't too long ago that Baltimore was hoisting the Lombardi Trophy with Trent Dilfer at QB, so we know that it can be done.

Build a defense and a strong offensive line, and wins will come. Wasting the top pick on a "maybe" franchise savior such as Stafford is not the answer.