And With The First Pick In The 2009 NFL Draft, The Detroit Lions Select.....

// It’s extremely early, but I’ve already seen about ten mock drafts for the big NFL event in April. At the same time, the Lions owner has finally become the CEO that fired the guy behind the mess and hired a new front office. He also brought in a new coach. So we’re heading in the right direction. After we load up on talent in the draft, we’re going to witness the greatest turnaround ever in 2009. America loves comeback stories. The Lions will be the featured presentation come fall. (We can dream can’t we?)

// So how do I think the Leos should approach the draft? DO NOT worry about offense. You have a dependable running back and the best receiver in the NFL. Give Stanton some reps in training cap and pray he develops. The Lions brought in Jim Schwartz. He’s a defensive-minded guy, so let’s give him the tools to build his team.

// After consulting with Mike, I’m going against every mock draft site on the net.

1. Aaron Curry (LB): Beast. He’s the cornerstone of your defense for the next ten years. Ernie Sims would no longer get double-teamed by the left-guard/center every play. And Larry Foote wants to come home to Detroit post-Super Bowl. Draft Curry and you just solidified one of the top LB-trios in the NFL.
20. Michael Johnson (DE): Same build as Julius Peppers and Mario Williams. He would complement a developing Cliff Avril and could be a force off the edge. The opposing quarterbacks would no longer be able flip steaks in the backfield and then deliver a 60-yard post for six. Tyson Jackson would also suffice at 20.
33. Alphonso Smith (CB): The secondary was shredded last year. Get Curry’s buddy from Wake Forest and add a premier corner that has ball skills. I honestly can’t remember the Lions’ corners making an interception last year. Dammit.

// Would these picks be considered a little risky? Youknowit. But after going offense in the first rounds of years past, it’s time to think about what Matt Millen did, and go in the exact opposite direction. If the Lions front office doesn’t listen to me? I won’t be that upset. Getting Stafford could be the answer. Nobody really knows. But I’ll say this… I know who they should avoid.

// Let me preface this story. When you meet a girl at the bar, talk about her life, and she says “All my ex’s are crazy!”, avoid that girl like the plague. Similarly, if you’re a general manager in sports, there’s certain types of players you don't want anything to do with.

// In the NBA, avoid the seven-kids-from-six-moms power forward and the I-tattoed-my-shoes-logo-on-the-side-of-my-head shooting guard. In major league baseball, avoid the recent-arm-issues-and-once-won-21-games-in-the-AL-West free agent pitcher. Additionally, never go after the I-use-flaxseed-oil-and-currently-have-back-acne slugger. In the NFL, it’s even easier. Avoid the I-scored-a-six-on-my-first-Wonderlic-test quarterback. Stay away from the pitbulls-are-my-children-and-those-treadmills-in-my-garage-are-for-humans-not-dogs QB. And finally, steer clear of the I-make-it-rain-at-Cheetah’s defensive back.

// With that being said, I sincerely hope that the Lions do not draft Michael Crabtree. We do not need another I-love-me-some-me wide receiver. If they do, this guy should prepare to add 2009 to his right pec.