Draft Grades: Lions

The selection of Matthew Stafford came as no surprise, but I still don't like the pick. I gave Stafford a 1st-round grade, but not a grade worthy of the number-one overall selection. On top of that, the Lions have far too many other holes to fill to be targeting a quarterback early in the draft. On a team this bad Stafford is going to have to play early. He'll be a sacrificial lamb behind their patchwork line with little chance of success. In a different situation Stafford could develop into a solid quarterback, but I don't see it happening in Detroit.

I love Brandon Pettigrew, but the Lions had no business selecting a tight end in the 1st round. There isn't a less significant position on the football field. Passing on linemen such as Michael Oher was a terrible decision.

Again, I like Louis Delmas a lot, but tight ends and safties aren't going to help Detroit turn things around. A team as bad as the Lions needs to build from the lines on out - exactly the opposite of what they're doing.

DeAndre Levy was a reach in the 3rd round, and again, I'm shocked they passed over some quality offensive linemen.

Derrick Williams was a decent 3rd-round selection. Stafford is going to need some receivers, and Williams could help stretch the field. He'll compete for playing time opposite Calvin Johnson.

I like the selection of Sammie Lee Hill. He's a project, but he's a massive body to plug holes on the Lions defensive line. Given the Lions lack of depth at the position he could end up starting. They'll try to groom him into the next Shaun Rogers.

Aaron Brown was a great 6th-round selection. He'll compete for playing time behind Kevin Smith. They could have used more of a goal line back, but anyone will be an upgrade over what they had last year.

The Lions finally landed an offensive lineman in the 7th round. Unfortunately though, Lydon Murtha is a project and won't offer much immediate help.

Zack Follett and Dan Gronkowski are mediocre picks in the 7th round. Neither has much upside and they'll struggle to make the roster.

Overall, this was a very disappointing draft for the Lions. Those that like Stafford will see it differently but I don't think this was the kind of the draft the Lions needed to get back on track. The Lions desperately needed to upgrade their offensive line and they got absolutely no help at that position. Its going to be another long season in Detroit in 2009.

Grade: C-