Philosophizing the NFL Draft

Delving a little deeper into the draft today, using my updated mock draft as a jumping off point. In addition to focusing on the top eight picks (along with any additional early selections for those teams) and spouting out ideas and nuggets I learned in my draft theory courses (I aced the Matt Millen part of the class - the answer to every question was always "wide receiver"),  I'll be asking for the take from you, our faithful readers, on those teams you love or simply love to hate. Without further adieu…

Detroit Lions:

1st round (1): Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia
1st round (20): James Laurinaitis, ILB, Ohio State
2nd round (33): Josh Freeman, QB, Kansas State

My football philosophy: put resources into both lines and then even the ordinary talents lined up behind them will appear better. This is my general argument with why I think the Lions should take an offensive lineman over a quarterback. Taking Matthew Stafford is the obvious choice and the one the chattering class is talking up. The best argument I see for taking the strong-armed but inconsistent thrower is that this year’s free agent class is so weak, there is barely a decent placeholder available, let alone a viable starting NFL signal caller. However, I think the Lions overall needs are so considerable that the foundation needs to be built first, from the bottom up. Sign a Byron Leftwich or trade for a Derek Anderson, maybe even give Dan Orlovsky another shot and them let them get beat up while the rebuilding continues. Stock pile young arms and find your way.

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