Tag: Matthew Stafford (Page 14 of 20)

      Peter King: Stafford is a lock to be a Lion

      April 24, 2009 /

      Matthew StaffordAccording to SI.com’s Peter King, quarterback prospect Matthew Stafford is a lock to become a Detroit Lion.

      Busy night. Very busy night, as the Lions and agents for Matthew Stafford moved closer to a deal to make the Georgia quarterback the first pick in Saturday’s NFL’s draft.

      I think the financial parameters of a deal will be done in principal by late this afternoon, though it may not be signed for a while because of its complexity. But you can take it to the bank: Stafford’s going to be a Detroit Lion.

      Although I wouldn’t rule Aaron Curry out until Roger Goodell reads Stafford’s name for the Lions’ pick Saturday afternoon, Peter King is usually spot on. He has a great relationship with NFL players and front office personnel and I trust his judgment.

      Sorry Lions fans.

      Or…

      Congratulations Lions fans – you (possibly) have your quarterback!

      NFL, NFL Draft

      Curry believes the Lions will sign Stafford

      April 24, 2009 /

      Aaron Curry believes that the Lions will get a deal done with quarterback Matthew Stafford.

      Aaron CurryCurry, though, doesn’t believe Detroit will pick him. Curry also swears he won’t be bitter even though he will lose millions in guaranteed dollars the deeper he slides in the draft.

      “In my heart, I think (the Lions) are going to get it done with Stafford,” Curry said. “I know they have faith in both of us to become great players. They can’t go wrong. They’re really making their decision on a need basis. Quarterback for them is a more important need. I understand that.”

      Curry said he didn’t have a “gut feeling” about where he will be drafted but would love to be reunited with a high school teammate. Coincidentally, defensive tackle Tank Tyler plays for the Chiefs.

      “Kansas City would be the perfect scenario,” Curry said. “I think it would be God’s blessing that he put both of us back together again. When we were in high school, we made each other better every day in the weight room and on the practice field.”

      Curry is certainly endearing himself to a lot of people around the NFL and hopefully, a lot of fans as well. His decision to bring a 12-year old leukemia survivor with him to the draft is heartwarming and speaks to his character. Whether it’s Detroit, Kansas City, Cleveland or whomever, I’m sure the team that lands Curry in the first round is going to be very, very happy.

      NFL, NFL Draft

      Is Josh Freeman a top 10 pick?

      April 23, 2009 /

      Gil Brandt of NFL.com has Kansas State quarterback Josh Freeman ranked in the top 10 of his “Hot 100” list of draft prospects.

      Josh Freeman, QB, Kansas State:
      Tall (6-foot-5 ¾) with a big arm… Passed for 38 TDs over the last two seasons… Started eight games as a true freshman… Smart with great work habits… Father played in the USFL… Ran for 400 yards and 14 TDs in 2008 on a poor team… Risk-reward type of player.

      Considering Brandt is one of the pioneers of developing the scouting techniques used by NFL teams today, it would be unwise to bash his judgment.

      That being said, what the hell is he thinking?

      Freeman is one of the rawest quarterback prospects to enter the NFL draft in some time. While it’s true that he has outstanding size (6’5”, 248 pounds), a strong arm and did play in a pro style offense while at K-State, some also say that he’s a poor man’s JaMarcus Russell, which isn’t necessarily a good thing.

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      NFL, NFL Draft

      Lions’ approach with No. 1 pick is all wrong

      April 23, 2009 /

      When Matt Millen was finally relieved of his general manager duties last year, Lion fans had a renewed sense of hope. Even though Martin Mayhew wasn’t a big, outside name that was coming in to save a burning franchise, Detroit fans reveled in the fact that he wasn’t Millen.

      Up to this point, Mayhew’s first offseason has been relatively quiet. The Lions haven’t made any big splashes in free agency, but have added quality pieces to their defense in cornerback Phillip Buchanon and tackle Grady Jackson. The team also made it a priority to re-sign long-time veteran kicker Jason Hanson.

      Much of the focus for Mayhew and the Lions revolves around the draft, where they have three selections in the first 33 picks. With major holes at quarterback, middle linebacker and offensive tackle, the Lions will essentially attempt to address two of those needs with the No. 1 and No. 20 picks.

      But is Mayhew already screwing things up?

      The Lions have stated all along that they wanted to get the No. 1 pick under contract before the start of the April 25 draft. So they began working with the agents of top prospects Aaron Curry, Matthew Stafford and Jason Smith roughly a week ago, and even have a even struck a deal with Curry, who is the top linebacker prospect in the draft.

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      NFL, NFL Draft

      Report: Lions in final negotiations with quarterback Matthew Stafford

      April 22, 2009 /

      According to NFL.com, the Detroit Lions are in final negotiations with quarterback Matthew Stafford to become the No. 1 player taken in this weekend’s draft.

      The Lions are in negotiations to finalize a contract with Georgia QB Matthew Stafford, who would be the No. 1 overall draft pick Saturday.

      An accord could be reached as soon as Wednesday night.

      Lions general manager Martin Mayhew said the team hoped to have a contract completed for the top selection — without naming him — during a pre-draft news conference Tuesday.

      Lions officials have been negotiating with Tom Condon and Ben Dogra, who not only represent Stafford but also Baylor OT Jason Smith. Smith is believed to be the Lions’ second option should a deal with Stafford not materialize.

      Should Stafford and the Lions agree to terms, the quarterback is expected to initially work behind veteran Daunte Culpepper, who impressed coaches at a recent minicamp. Stafford could receive the opportunity to compete for the starting job, which some NFL coaches and scouts said he could handle following private workouts and interviews.

      Nothing is final yet, but if it does happen, this news won’t sit well with some Lions fans. But the bottom line is that Daunte Culpepper and Drew Stanton aren’t the answer. In fact, they’re not even close to being the answer and while Stafford isn’t the best quarterback prospect to come out of the collegiate ranks, there’s no denying that he has a good head on his shoulders and he’s got enough arm strength to make all of the throws at the next level.

      Detroit has a ton of holes and GM Martin Mayhew will do his best to fill them as soon as possible. But it’s extremely hard to win in the NFL without a quality quarterback and if Mayhew truly believes that Stafford can lead the Lions for years to come, then it’s a good pick. Granted, that doesn’t mean that he will succeed, but Lion fans must now trust in Mayhew’s scouting and judgment.

      4/22 Update: Lions’ beat writer Tom Kowalski is reporting that the Lions have a contract in place for linebacker Aaron Curry, but they’re in wait-and-see mode with Matthew Stafford.

      Personally, I think that’s ridiculous. If the Lions aren’t completely sold on Stafford, then why take him? Why invest so much money on the most important position on your roster if you’re not 100% convinced that he can be the guy? This isn’t like deciding between an offensive tackle and a defensive end – you’re deciding on a freaking quarterback.

      Is Matt Millen still hanging around Allen Park?

      NFL, NFL Draft

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