The debate has been raging this year as to who the Lions should take in this year's draft. Mock drafts have listed: Matt Stafford, Mark Sanchez, Aaron Curry, and even Andre Smith before he decided that the combine was an actual even the should have participated in and didn't.
I have listened to many radio programs discuss this listing all the in's and out's. Mel Kiper's rants about how Detroit has to pick Matt Stafford at the number 1 spot.
The Matt Millen era has been very tough on the Lions fans. We have been witness to the worst football season in NFL history 0-16 and a lot of draft pick busts. I cannot remember the last successful quarterback that was drafted by Detroit, even pre-dating the Millen era. The Lions have drafted 6 quarterbacks since 1990 including two 1st rounders in 1990 Andre Ware at # 7 and in 2002 Joey Harrington at # 3 and not a single player selected made a significant impact for Detroit.
Last season, the offense had some success moving the ball with Kevin Smith running the ball and Calvin Johnson catching the ball but only ranked 27th overall averaging 16.8 points per game. On the defensive side of the ball the Lions ranked 32nd overall giving up 32.3 points a game.
After all said and done, I want to share my take and I think you will agree that indeed the number 1 pick, this year should not be a quarterback but the often mentioned "safest pick in the draft".
Aaron Curry, by many analysts considered the safest pick of the draft, is the pick that Detroit needs to make. I look at Aaron Curry as possible being the next Ray Lewis and it would be a great pickup for Detroit. Aaron Curry played outside linebacker in college but could easily make the move to the middle in the pro game.
Physically Aaron stands at 6'2" and weighs 255 and runs a 4.52 40 yard dash with a 37 inch vertical. He is a physically gifted talent that could provide the nasty that Detroit needs on D.
I thought the Aaron Curry pick would be great for Detroit but really fell in love with the idea today. A story came out today about an interview that Aaron did with Pat Kirwan of Sirius NFL Radio. In that interview, Aaron stated the he could see himself in the uniform and fell in love with the new look. He even stated that he would take less money then last years #1 pick Jake Long to play for Detroit.
When I think about what Ray Lewis has meant to Baltimore, game changer and leader comes to mind. He has been a force that teams have had to worry about and scheme for. Ray has provided an attitude that has made the Raven's D mean, nasty and one of the best since he has been in the league. Ray Lewis stands 6'1" and weighs 260lbs. He was a 1st round pick in 1996 at the #26 spot by the Ravens.
If Aaron can provide some of the same attributes that Ray has brought the Ravens, the Detroit fans are in for a real treat. It would be nice to be excited again about watching Detroit Lions football.