While I don’t claim to have the inside sources of Mel Kiper, I follow NFL team’s draft, free agency and personal moves as close as anyone. A friend sent me a link to Kiper’s latest mock draft (INISDER required) and this what he predicts at #2:
2. Detroit – Brady Quinn, QB, Notre Dame: The Lions have the option of selecting QB Brady Quinn or RB Adrian Peterson, trading down, or adding a pass-rusher supreme such as Gaines Adams to bolster what already has the makings of a standout defensive front. By trading down, they could still get a player like Adams. Quinn, though, might be too hard to pass up for an organization that needs a smart, tough, high-profile signal-caller like him to become the face of the franchise. Remember, the Lions are one of the few teams that have never even been to a Super Bowl, let alone won one. Additionally, they passed on Dan Marino back in 1983 and, as recently as last year, opted away from Leinart and Cutler.
Am I crazy or does he not even mention OT Joe Thomas? He gets kudos for talking about the Lions trading down, because I think that’s ultimately what they’ll do. But he listed Quinn and Peterson as Detroit’s first options? Let’s review why the Lions (a team with MANY holes) would take a pass on Kiper’s “best” draft predictions:
Quinn: 1) The team is reportedly more than satisfied with starter Jon Kitna and loves the potential of third-stringer Dan Orlovsky. 2) Matt Millen reportedly was thoroughly embarrassed by the Joey Harrington gaff. 3) They like their chances of landing MSU prospect Drew Stanton in the second round. Peterson: 1) They just traded for Tatum Bell and signed T.J. Duckett as insurance in case Kevin Jones isn’t healthy for the start of the season. And despite the rumors, they’re not going to trade Bell unless they get a steal. 2) Jones, unless severely limited coming off injury, is their stud back. 3) In Martz’s system, the running back isn’t a huge focus anyway, which is why Jones was screaming for more carries before he got injured. So why take a “future back” in Peterson if it’s not a high priority? And before anyone brings up Martz leaving after this year, they’re grooming assistants to run the same pass-happy system for the future.
I realize anything could happen in draft, not to mention with the Lions. But am I crazy to question that this is all a man – who supposedly studies the draft 365 days a year mind you – could come up with for the second overall pick?
