Why the Detroit Lions Shouldn't Draft Matthew Stafford

With the draft getting closer and closer, it is becoming apparent that Matthew Stafford will be the No. 1 pick in the draft. I am hoping that somehow that doesn't happen. It is not that I dislike Stafford, I think he can be very good. However, I don't think he will be good in Detroit.

Here is why. He will have no protection. If a team is 0-16, that means the O-line is terrible. So far I have yet to see them do anything to address it unless there have been signings I am unaware of.

He also has one proven weapon in Calvin Johnson. Kevin Smith can still be good, but he has so far shown very little. 

Therefore the team will struggle again and Stafford would likely be in by about Week Four. I truly believe that putting a quarterback in before he is ready will destroy him. That has happened.

Yes, Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco started as rookies, but here is the difference. Both of those teams had really good defenses and a solid running game. Detroit has neither. Ryan and Flacco did look great at times, but make no mistake of it.

They both made rookie mistakes but the other areas of the team bailed them out. I do think both of them have chances to be really good but don't be surprised if they come back to Earth a little next season.

If drafted by the Lions Stafford will make a ton of money but in all likelihood be another failure. So what should the Lions do? Daunte Culpepper is not the player he used to be.

Well here is my suggestion. I suggest that the front office call the front office in Cleveland. Trade the No. 20 pick and Drew Stanton for Brady Quinn. He is unproven but has shown promise.

The Browns have two quarterbacks with huge contracts and would like to unload one. I think Quinn would be able to come in and start right away and is already accustomed to the speed of the NFL. Stafford isn't.

I think the No. 20 pick would be fair since he was drafted No. 22. Drew Stanton would just go along as a way to get rid of him. The Browns may not even want him, they could say the pick is enough.

After acquiring Quinn, use that No. 1 pick on somebody who can protect him. I hear Jason Smith is the top lineman.

This to me makes more sense. If you want to develop franchise QB, why not give him a chance to succeed?