“Killer” Believes The #1 Pick Will be LB Curry or OT Jason Smith, Dan Orlovsky, Derek Anderson
February 21, 2009 on 2:55 pm | In Uncategorized |“Killer” Kowalski is in Indianapolis for the NFL draft combine and he reported on a local radio show that Baylor OT Jason Smith and Wake Forest OLB Aaron Curry are the current front-runners for the Lions 1st overall draft choice.
This is exciting news, even though a lot can change in the upcoming weeks. A number of reports indicate that the Lions will have a player signed to a contract, as a prerequisite, before draft day. Each player strikes me as a legitimate choice, and their selection would begin to solidify the Lions talent-starved roster.
“Killer” also makes some interesting comments about the Lions pursuit of Dan Orlovsky. Does Orlovky really think he will get a better opportunity to play anywhere in the NFL than with the Lions next season, even if Jon Kitna or Daunte Culpepper eventually return? It would seem unlikely, but apparently he has a bruised ego over the notion that Culpepper is the starter, for now.
“Killer” has spent the last two off-seasons expressing his unrequited lust for Browns QB Derek Anderson, as a potential Lions QB. Anderson does have a big arm and has enjoyed some success, within a very talented offense that was running on all cylinders.
My gut feeling on Anderson is that amid his promise, he needs to be in the right situation surrounded by talent. The Browns suffered last season because the very players who helped Anderson find success in ‘07 were either old (Jamal Lewis), unhappy (Kellen Winslow, Jr.) or completely unfocused “Braylon ‘Oops’ Edwards).
If Anderson remotely has what it takes to become a solid NFL QB, he should have been able to find ways to help his team succeed and overcome the aforementioned obstacles, and hometown hero Brady Quinn breathing down his neck, too.
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I was thinking about this whole situation with Jason Smith taking the lead among OT’s in the last week. I was under the impression that Jason Smith was more of a pass blocker than a run blocker, and with the coaches making it clear that they want to be able to run and stop the run, I would lean more towards Curry being the #1 of the two and detroit taking an OT with the 1.20 spot.
Curry is being touted by everyone as being safest bet in this draft and it’s an immediate upgrade for our defense. I see the coaches going with the safest player possible as they can’t afford a miss here.
I am still not sure they aren’t going to take stafford. I have been watching the combine coverage and everyone seems to be pumping up josh freeman. He looks like a flacco or Big Ben type player from what i’ve seen and might fit our new style if we can get him later on.
Comment by matthewdc — February 21, 2009 #
We have the #1 (curry) #20 (best OT available) #33 Freeman. It that senerio comes to pass, I’ll be thrilled. I don’t even want a QB chosen in this draft, but if we have to have another stanton-esque project, I guess our #33 pick is do-able.
Comment by mike — February 21, 2009 #
http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/insider/news/story?id=3899972
Sorry this isn’t a hyper link. It’s an interesting story on ESPN.com about Matt Stafford and some statistical data that the Author says shows Detroit why he is a BAD pick at #1.
If the Lions need a reason not to draft a QB beyond the obvious, I hope they see this article.
Comment by mike — February 22, 2009 #
I have been a big supporter of bringing on Haynseworth in FA. That was then. Now that I know the outrageous price tag, I hope the Lions pass…
Comment by mike — February 23, 2009 #
I just heard that Malalgua(I keep destroying his name) had a pretty slow 40 ime and now the guys on NFL radio are saying it’s probably going to push him to a SAM LB position. I’m not sure that’s true, but if it is, I think i makes Curry even more attractive.
Comment by mike — February 23, 2009 #
Mike–In regard to Maualuga v Curry (both could play Sam or Mike), I think drafting either player is a win for the Lions, although Curry is likely an every down player, while Maualuga may be replaced on 3rd downs and nickel and dime packages, if what you have said is true.
In regards to Haynesworth, if the Lions find a way to make it work, I am all for it. That being said, why would he come to Detroit unless they blew every else out of the water with their offer?
Stafford not throwing at the combine likely necessitates him having a very good “pro day” workout to exhibit his live arm, at least in order for him to go first overall.
Curry of Jason Smith seem like the best picks…now
Comment by Steve — February 23, 2009 #
I have to agree. Curry or Jason Smith seem like the way to go. What if we get curry first, the Best OT at #20. Do you think they would take Laurenitis(sp) at #33 if he’s still there?
Comment by mike — February 23, 2009 #
Matthewdc–You are right, Smith is not used to playing with his hand down and was in a passing-oriented spread offense at Baylor. Ryan Clady is proof that with good coaching, and hard work, that a player can make that transition.
In regards to pick #1, #20, and #33, Mike, I think that the Lions are truly in the position of taking the best available player(s). They definitely need help at CB, both LB’s, LG, DT, and TE.
If I were going to handicap it at this point, I would expect it to be 1) Jason Smith or Eugene Monroe 2) LB 3) Best available at any position.
I think if the Lions are fortunate enough for “Little Animal” Laurinaitis to be available at #33, and they have not filled their LB positions during free agency, they would consider taking two.
Thanks for all of your interesting ideas/questions.
Comment by Steve — February 23, 2009 #