2009 NFL Draft Preview: QB Matthew Stafford

2009 NFL Draft Preview - Matthew Stafford. Matt Stafford is entering the 2009 NFL draft as almost the consensus pick that the Detroit Lions have to make to be competitive in the next two seasons. Similar to Mark Sanchez , Stafford found himself in a position to be the number 1 prospect in this year's draft with the other top underclassmen (Tim Tebow (will he be drafted as a quarterback even??), Colt McCoy, and Sam Bradford) choosing to remain in college next year. With the example set by rookie quarterback, Matt Ryan re-birthing the Atlanta Falcons last season, expectations will be high for whichever team Stafford does end up playing for next season.

2009 NFL Draft Preview - QB Matthew Stafford Scouting Report

2009 NFL Draft Preview - Matthew Stafford Pros

Its hard to realize after watching him play last season, but Matt Stafford isn't quite 21 years old yet! During his junior year at Georgia, Matt Stafford had 3,209 yards passing, 25 TDs, and completed over 60% of his passes with 10 interceptions on the year. He likely would have had even gaudier statistics if the Bulldogs didn't have first round-pick, Knowshon Moreno to run the ball! Stafford is coming in with outstanding arm strength and is used to playing in typical NFL pro-set offensive series.

2009 NFL Draft Preview - Matthew Stafford Cons

Probably the biggest dig on Matt Stafford is he reliance on his exceptional arm strength at times. Although another year of seasoning would have done him good for preparation for the NFL, Stafford is going to find himself in a 'go-to' position early in the 2009-10 season. He has proven that he's not afraid to take a hit in the pocket, though this could work against a rookie signal caller in the NFL. He'll need good coaching to complement his talent once he is drafted.

Matthew Stafford Overall

Overall, Matt Stafford has remained the number 1 quarterback prospect in the 2009 NFL Draft. They Lions will just be missing out on a huge opportunity if they choose to address another weakness before taking someone like Stafford who has the ability to be a franchise player early! Almost everything is speculating that the (0-16) Detroit Lions will draft Matt Stafford first, however, Seattle is hungry for a new QB and may put things in motion to be able to acquire Stafford. Prediction - Detroit takes Stafford with the first pick in the draft!

References:
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1513716/2009_nfl_draft_preview_mark_sanchez.html?cat=14

http://www.kidzworld.com/article/16819-nfl-draft-preview-matthew-stafford?rss=main

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=189614

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1114942