Selecting Matthew Stafford in 2009
While it might seem like a no-brainer to take a potential franchise QB with the No. 1 overall pick, it wasn’t that simple for Mayhew as a rookie GM.
Remember, the team did have 2007 second-round pick Drew Stanton at the ready. I know that sounds preposterous in hindsight, but look at what the Browns and Texans have done recently in eschewing a QB at the top of the draft despite having a crying need.
It also wasn’t a given that Stafford was the No. 1 quarterback. Even though Mayhew settled on Stafford fairly early in the process, many pundits actually preferred Mark Sanchez. Some even coveted Josh Freeman, and both those alternates found greater initial success in the NFL.
Plagued by fluky injuries in his first two years, it took the precocious Stafford more time to become a quality starter. He’s not yet crossed the threshold to being a great starter, but No. 9 has rewritten the Detroit record book and proven capable of occasional greatness. His strong finish to 2015 is the single greatest promise the Lions have going forward.
Next: Stocking the Corner Pantry