Lions Pick Matthew Stafford No. 1; Jets Trade Up for Mark Sanchez
The NFL Draft took place this weekend and their were a lot of big picks, trade-ups and trade-downs. In perhaps the biggest draft trade, the New York Jets traded up to get quarterback Mark Sanchez out of USC – the Cleveland Browns gave up the pick to move down (which they ended up doing several times).
Matthew Stafford‘s mission is daunting: Lead the Detroit Lions back from the only 0-16 season in NFL history. Mark Sanchez has nearly as big a challenge: He’ll compete for a chance to replace Brett Favre as the New York Jets’ starting quarterback. Â Continue reading on NFL.com
The trade to pick Sanchez and the Oakland Raiders surprising pick of WR Darrius Heyward-Bey (out of Maryland) were the primary newsmakers of day one. The Raiders picked the fastest guy, as they often have done under Al Davis, but they passed up on Michael Crabtree, the NCAA receiver of the year. Crabtree was selected 10th by the San Francisco 49ers, who were extremely happy to pickup the star receiver so late. He has a bit of a “me first”, cocky attitude, which is why he fell so much, but he should excel in SF as long as they quarterbacks can get the ball to him.
The Jets meanwhile, have been in love w/ Sanchez for awhile, but trading up was still a surprise. Sanchez will replace the retired Brett Favre in New York, but will hopefully have some time before he’s pushed into a starting role.
The Detroit Lions picked first and had Matthew Stafford lined up as the w/ a contract prio to the draft. He got a huge undeserved contract, considering he’s not taken a snap yet, but the Lions are hopeful he can revive their franchise. Daunte Culpepper should be the starter to open the season, but don’t be surprised if Stafford gets put in before the end of the season… both from a financial pressure situation, but also because they will likely have a losing record and the fans will be calling for a change.
For a full account of the 2009 NFL Draft, visit NFL.com
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