Sports Blog

It’s not unusual that the team selecting first overall in the NFL draft is hurting for talent. In fact, the rules are designed to almost assure as much. But in the case of the 2009 NFL draft, the No. 1-selecting Detroit Lions, fresh off the league’s only 0-16 season in history, come in as devoid of superstar players as any team in recent memory. Aside from wide out Calvin Johnson, the Detroit roster is almost absent of a household name, still feeling the sting of the Matt Millen years.

Whomever the Lions nab at No. 1 - barring a trade-down scenario that many Lions fans are praying for – it’s a crucial year for not only the franchise, but for the handful of players who are considered top draft pick material. Quarterback Matthew Stafford, linebacker Aaron Curry and offensive tackle Jason Smith appear to be the candidates most likely heading to Motown. No matter who gets the nod, he’s likely to become an instant celebrity in Detroit. Stafford, in particular, will no doubt immediately rank second on the team in jersey sales behind only Chad Johnson. And any early signs that Stafford was, in fact, the right pick would propel his popularity even higher.