You’re on the clock

I spent the last month or so sharing with you folks how I see the 2009 NFL Draft unfolding. Yet, I am equally interested in how you think things will turn out.  Barring any crazy news stories, I want to use the rest of the time before the Draft to open up this space for any brave mock drafters to post their ideas. Ideally, I would offer some sort of prize for the winner, but as a poor young guy, I can only offer you the spotlight on my site.

For all of you willing enough to make an insightful comment (in the comment section) on tomorrow’s draft, I will personally post them to this article and give a brief critique of it (if you’re interested).

To get the creative juices going, here is something to discuss: If Detroit passes on Stafford, how far does he drop? Also, as Profootballtalk.com rumors have it, the Patriots tried to swing a trade up into the top 10 picks. Who are they targeting? And what is all this nonsense about Tyson Jackson going 3rd to the Chiefs? Gimme a break! This isn’t Richard Seymour we’re talking about.

Here begins the discussion, starting with Brettsky, author of Monsters of the Midway Illustrated:

Hmmm Mathew Stafford is passed up by the Detroit Lions (the smartest move they can make by the way) so how far does he fall. Well if it’s me making the draft call I’m passing on him for as long as possible. If I’m Denver I address my need for defense at 12 and then go Stafford at 18. That’s about the only place in the draft I feel safe drafting Stafford.

Having followed him a lot prior to the ASU game, AFTER the ASU game I feel pretty confident in my assessment of him. My assessment (not that anyone cares) is he’s not worthy of number one overall. I wouldn’t draft him and spend a boat load of guaranteed money on him.

It’s truly not worth the risk especially the risk given he’s an underclassmen QB. Their rate of success is even less than other first round drafted QBs. The only in recent memory to have much success coming out as an underclassman is Ben Rothlesberger and he had and has had a major support force around him. Annually a great running game and a great defense in Pittsburgh.

So is Stafford NFL ready on day one like he’ll be required to be for the Lions no. Not even close.

Although now word is leaking out that Stafford has come to a deal with the LIons and he will be #1 overall.

And a brave attempt at mocking the draft by the Ghostwriter:

Hey David,
Sure, I’ll toss my hat in the ring. This isn’t exactly my area of expertise, but it can’t hurt to try. At least I know that I’ll get one out of the thirty-two correct (thank you, Stafford). Here goes…

1.Det: Matt Stafford
2.STL: Eugene Monroe
3.KC: Aaron Curry
4.SEA: Michael Crabtree
5.CLE: Brian Orakpo
6.CIN: Jason Smith
7.OAK: Jeremy Maclin
8.JAX: B.J. Raji
9.GB: Michael Oher
10.SF: Mark Sanchez
11.BUF: Everette Brown
12.DEN: Rey Maualuga
13.WAS: Aaron Maybin
14.NO: Brian Cushing
15.HOU: Malcolm Jenkins
16.SD: Tyson Jackson
17.NYJ: Josh Freeman
18.DEN: Vontae Davis
19.TB: Peria Jerry
20.DET: Clay Matthews
21.PHI: Chris Wells
22.MIN: Percy Harvin
23.NE: Larry English
24.ATL: Evander Hood
25.MIA: Robert Ayers
26.BAL: Darius Butler
27.IND: Hakeem Nicks
28.BUF: Andre Smith
29.NYG: James Laurinaitis
30.TEN: Darrius Heyward-Bey
31.ARZ: Knowshon Moreno
32.PIT: Alex Mack

Hmm…now I just have to find a place for Brandon Pettigrew, who will surely go somewhere in the first round.