To Pick or Not to Pick: That Is the Detroit Lions' Question

This is how the Captain sees it: Matt Stafford is a hit-or-miss quarterback.

He could be good; he could be a bust.

He’s not talented enough to be an absolute certainty—like say a Peyton Manning, or a John Elway, guys who couldn’t fail in the NFL as they were just so talented.

That’s the type of talent you use a No. 1 pick on.

Teams like New England, Pittsburgh, Dallas—teams that generally win—wouldn’t waste a number-one pick on a so-so quarterback, as they know they can basically get the same level of player in later rounds over the next few drafts.

The smart move for Detroit is to pick the best player on the board who addresses a need. And that isn’t Stafford.

After Crabtree, I’d say the next-best players are Curry and Smith, who both address major needs, and are both likely to be very good NFL players. Both address major needs, as well.

The Lions won’t win with or without Stafford this season, so why waste a No. 1 pick on probably a No. 15 player in any other draft?

The Lions should draft Curry, or one of the top lineman, and address QB next season.

It’s a much stronger draft next year at the QB position. They should start with Stanton and give him a real test—as in 16 straight games, fitness allowing.

It really is a no-lose situation. As in, they get to take a real premier player this year with their number-one pick, that addresses a major need.

Here’s the possible “not picking Stafford” scenarios:

• Drew Stanton actually plays well, and they have a promising young quarterback to build on. They haven't wasted a number-one pick on a player they don’t need.
• Drew Stanton is average, and they get a top-15 pick, where they can still get a Stafford-level pick next year. But have a blooded quarterback to steady the ship until they are ready.
• Drew Stanton totally sucks, and they have a top-five pick again.  They probably pick up Sam Bradford or Colt McCoy. Both are potentially better players than Stafford, with much more upside.

Be smart, Detroit. Your recent first-round draft history is picking players who “could” be successful. Start picking players who “will” be successful.