Obvious Starter is Obviously The Starter

"From Freep.com SportsAfter three days of rookie minicamp, Lions coach Jim Schwartz would not rank quarterback Matthew Stafford’s position on the depth chart. Stafford said he didn’t know where he ranked and was more interested in improving.But general manager Martin Mayhew, though noting it is early in the off-season, conceded that veteran quarterback Daunte Culpepper would be considered the starter right now.“He’s a pro, and I trust Daunte,” Mayhew said. “He’s got a lot of ability, and I anticipate that if we had something to do today, Daunte would be the guy today. But we’ve got a lot of time to work, and we’ll see how it goes.”The rookies will get a break and join the full team May 18. Schwartz said at that point he still doesn’t think there will be a depth chart.“It might change every single period,” Schwartz said. “We’ll cross that bridge when we get there. Part of our message has been nobody’s earned a job yet.”Stafford said he was not concerned with the depth chart.“No, it’s about knowing what you’re doing,” he said. “That’s the main thing about the quarterback position. Doesn’t matter who’s around you, you’ve got to be able to make it work.”"

It’s going to play out a little bit like the Carson Palmer situation… only we will not make the playoffs and Culpepper will get hurt by week 5 and Stafford will be thrust in. It’s not like Stanton has a future here, why on earth would you keep a young 2nd round pick around when you have the highest paid rookie QB ever right there on the roster spot? You don’t.

Stanton will most likely be cut. The Lions are better off looking for an older, veteran clipboard holder than can step in and take a few snaps in the event of a disaster. Maybe they can trade him for something… you never know, right?

But for now, you have to start Culpepper. The only thing worse than taking a QB first overall is starting him right off the bat. Ask Tim Couch how that went.

And as for the feathers I’ve ruffled with my D- draft grade, I stand by it.

The comment that brought me the most joy was the Pettigrew comment, stating something to the effect that the pick at TE will shore up the blocking on offense. I’m sure he will, he’s a fine Tight End, certainly the best in the draft but I doubt he would shore up the blocking on offense as MUCH AS A DAMN OFFENSIVE LINEMAN.

This is why it’s a bad pick. The Lions are not in a position to fiddle around with Tight Ends. They need core players, things that smart teams like New England and Pittsburg take year in and year out. But what do I know?

I’ll even spot them the QB pick. You’re going to need a Quarter Back eventually and the pantry is indeed bare. Is Stafford the right guy? Eh, we’ll see. The physical stuff is there, we’ve beaten that to death, but only time will tell if any of the guys behind the center in this draft are franchise material. We’re married to it now, Stafford is getting a lot of money and Mayhew feels strongly enough to put his career on the line for him. Football is only a few months away!