Detroit Lions 2009 Draft Review

Ever since the end of the 2008 NFL season, all we've been hearing about is what Detroit would do with the top pick.

We heard about Matthew Stafford, Aaron Curry, and Jason Smith.

But once the contract was final just before the draft, we knew one thing for sure: The Lions had finally found their quarterback, and maybe—just maybe—they were headed in the right direction.

Truly, only time will tell if he or any of their other picks will be the saviors that get them back to mediocrity, much less turn them into a winning organization.

Read on for analysis on each pick and a final draft grade:

Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia

Stafford has the cannon arm, the moxie, and all the intangibles needed to be a successful quarterback in this league. The main question is if he plays right away, can he handle the pressure? On the other hand, how much pressure can one feel when winning one game next year makes them a hero?

Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State

Pettigrew fills a solid need, but despite being the best overall tight end in the draft, this was a bit of a reach. I would have liked to see the Lions grab Michael Oher to shore up their offensive line a bit, but Pettigrew's solid receiving ability and elite blocking should suffice.

Louis Delmas, DB, Western Michigan

To be honest, this is the pick that proved to me that this new regime in Detroit isn't just committed to doing things right, but they're actually already getting it done.

Delmas has excellent versatility and athleticism, and could probably help out their average secondary at any position they need him. Needless to say, it'd be a shock if he isn't starting from day one.

DeAndre Levy, OLB, Wisconsin

Levy is quick and athletic, and excels at blitzing. However, he is a bit raw and probably won't be able to make an immediate impact. His presence should be felt on special teams, though.

Derrick Williams, WR, Penn State

We all know how well Penn State receivers have worked out over the years (mixed reviews), but Williams seems to be one of the few former Nittany Lions that can make a successful transition. Williams is polished enough to help out as third option in his rookie year, and gives them their best return specialist since Eddie Drummond.

Sammie Lee Hill, DT, Stillman

Hill has outstanding strength and athleticism, but was passed by many teams due to his lack of elite competition, raw ability, and the fact that he played for a small school. Jim Schwartz knows defense, so I'll take his word for it that this guy could be special.

Aaron Brown, RB, TCU

Brown is college football's version of former Notre Dame basketball star Chris Thomas. He started hot and raised his stock his freshman year, and then never really reached his potential. Brown should be able to assist in return duties, while finding a place behind Kevin Smith in his rookie year.

Lydon Murtha, OT, Nebraska

Murtha has tremendous size (6'7'' and 306 lbs), which is mainly why the Lions took a chance on him. There's no certainty when it comes to his future, but he'll have the opportunity to learn and grow as a back-up for a year or two.

Zack Follett, OLB, California

Follett is another solid college linebacker who lacks ideal athleticism or coverage skills, but was drafted due to his passion and high intensity level. He's sure to be a part of the Lions' special teams unit if he makes the team, and could eventually carve out a role as a back-up.

Dan Gronkowski, TE, Maryland

Detroit grabbed another tight end with great size in Gronkowski, as well as one with solid speed. Gronkowski has good experience against solid competition, and has the tools to be a productive back-up to Pettigrew in the future.

Final Grade: A-

The Lions did a lot of good in this draft, however, they failed to grab a good amount of impact players on the defensive side of the ball.

By getting Stafford, though, they've established their commitment to winning, as well as giving their franchise a new identity.

They solidified their tight end position, which in turn will actually aid the offensive line quite well, as Pettigrew is an elite blocker, in addition to being a solid offensive option.

Derrick Williams was a good value pick, as he can help at receiver and on special teams, while getting Delmas shores up one of their secondary holes.

The other picks could turn out to be solid back-ups or special teams stars, while the potential of Sammie Lee Hill and Lydon Murtha is very intrigueing.