[size=+3]Discussions only[/size] [size=+3]IMPORTANT RULE: PLEASE DO NOT DISCUSS UNDRAFTED PLAYERS[/size]
I decided to make my first pick early to get the draft movin along. Plus I was sick of agonizing over who to select. There was no consensus no brainer pick. The fact is, the Lions have a TON of needs and there were a few different quality options I had.But, If you go back over the past 5 years, the biggest issue w/ this franchise has been the O-line. Aside from jeff Backus whose play has declined..they've had no continuity and no one to depend on.It was time to add a rock. Monroe more than held his own in college, still has good upside and can start right away which acouple other highly ranked OT prospects on our board may not be able to do. This is a safe pick at a crucial spot, at a crucial time for this franchise.
Really not huge on the Lions pick as I dont have Monroe as the top OT in this draft. I can understand not going after QB because that is a very good possibility that it could happen but I dont know about if Monroe deserves to be the 1st player taken of this class. Only way that would happen is if Monroe agrees to a very good contract for Detroit.
I realize that acouple different OTs may have jumped Monroe on many people's big board. Those specific players I think will also be good ones. But here's where I'm coming from: 1. Those"Other guys" are alittle more of a project than Monroe. They may have a slightly higher ceiling but are not as "nfl ready" either. I feel Detroit MUST get production from this first pick. They need to set a tone for their young players. Detroit has fallen victim to many times to the "Boom or bust" scenario. 2. I think people are forgetting how good Monroe is. He was a dominant player that kept Brandon Albert inside at guard. He also has faced some pretty good competition including several probable first round pass rushers in this draft. I dont think anyone has him rated any worse than a top 5 prospect. 3. Detroit flat out needs a rock. If this was another team..maybe you take the higher ceiling guy, or the highest rated QB. But Detroit needs somebody they can depend on. Who they KNOW will perform. Monroe has the college bloodline, the high character, the physical skills and the resume to be a very dependable guy from day one.
A lot like Jake Long last year...Ryan Clady might have a higher ceiling, but the Dolphins needed production right away. Great move by Parcells. Young guys like Jake Long, Ryan Clady, and Joe Thomas are the future at left tackle. The other big name at tackle may take a little time to develop -- just like D'Brickashaw Ferguson.
I think That is a good comparision player for the other big name tackle...however I think Brick had a better college resume...alittle bit better feet, longer arms..but not as good of a run blocker.
I like the Pick. What detroit needs more then anything is talent that pans out. So many frist round draft bust in so short of time leaves them with what they have, a very talent starved roster. Good job Kurt. ....and good job of the posters ahead of me on observing the do not talk about other players rule! It makes these drafts all that much more interesting. :up:
I like the pick, don't love it but you went in a great direction, also with a team like the lions you really can't be wrong
Not yet, I waiting on DOCNY....if no response in the next 24 hours.....I'll assign it to a current GM(only 1 team) who wants another team.
...so much for speeding things up. I wonder why Quack didn't make his selection earlier today? I noticed that he made a few posts this afternoon...oh well.
Was expecting to be OTC with BUF and was sweating since its such a wildcard pick but damn nothing today. :wink: