Stafford wows at private workout

StorminNorman · 03-31-2009, 03:28 PM

The Detroit Lions brain trust headed south today to hold a private on-campus workout with Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Matt Stafford. The results were encouraging for Stafford and the Lions, who own the first pick in April's draft.

Sources described Stafford's workout as flawless, stating it was significantly better than his March 19 pro-day workout, also held at Georgia.

Stafford used his former Georgia teammates as primary pass catchers. Bulldog receivers Mohamed Massaquoi, Kenneth Harris, Demiko Goodman and tight end Tripp Chandler took part in the workout, but that is where the similarities to Stafford's college days ended.

The Lions coaching staff put Stafford through a workout that included an assortment of passes and routes he will be required to complete in the NFL and which will be part of the Detroit offense in 2009.

The draft's top quarterback was on point with all his throws throughout the session. He threw just about 40 passes and hit on all but three of them. Stafford fired the ball downfield, hitting receivers in stride, and threw accurately through the entire session.

Detroit coaches did speak with Stafford about aiming his passes, which negatively affected his accuracy, yet that seemed to be the only glitch all morning.

Overall, the Detroit brass were very complimentary about Stafford's work today. The Lions praised his overall passing mechanics and the way he threw the ball.

The draft is still more than three weeks away, but Stafford's workout today was so impressive that observers in Athens got the impression it was a "done deal" and the Lions will use the first pick to acquire Stafford.

Mark Sanchez and the USC Trojans hold their pro-day tomorrow in Los Angeles.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/200...ons/index.html

WMD · 03-31-2009, 03:44 PM

Let's get this guy signed already. Sign him by Friday!

Saints-Tigers · 03-31-2009, 03:49 PM

Not surprising, seems like the perfect kind of QB to shine in that type of setting, his arm strength and accuracy is spectacular.

Get it done!

P-L · 03-31-2009, 09:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lions WMD

Sign him by Friday!

Yep. As soon as they get back to Detroit from Los Angeles they better fly Stafford in and start working on a contract.

eeth · 03-31-2009, 10:33 PM

well he got better so thats good, i dont know if it was nerves at his pro day or wanting to really impress the lions at his private workout that this change happened

WMD · 03-31-2009, 10:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eeth

well he got better so thats good, i dont know if it was nerves at his pro day or wanting to really impress the lions at his private workout that this change happened

What change? He had a great Pro Day too..

eeth · 03-31-2009, 11:16 PM

i know but the way they made the statement it seems like his private workout was way better, even though in his pro day he only missed 3 passes if i remember correctly

StorminNorman · 03-31-2009, 11:40 PM

Oh you do :)

P-L · 04-01-2009, 08:45 AM

Yeah, I keep hearing this workout was "much better" than his pro day. Considering that he had an excellent pro day, he must have had a phenomenal workout.

Iamcanadian · 04-01-2009, 09:33 AM

Workouts are very nice but they aren't football games where you have to be able to read defenses, where you have to be able to pick up secondary receivers in an instant and where DLmen are breathing down your throat when you have to find your receiver and make a solid throw. Let's not kid ourselves, you only find out about a QB when he enters a game and performs.
Trade the pick for Cutler, he's proven that he can perform in games at a high level and handle all of the above.

bored of education · 04-01-2009, 09:35 AM

I wouldn't expect any less. And look at the guy above me reaching for a reason to shoot down his great workout. Everyone knows on the field means more, but Stafford's pre-draft season has been amazing from this work out, to black board sessions to interviews etc.

Aard · 04-01-2009, 09:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StorminNorman

The Detroit Lions brain trust headed south today to hold a private on-campus workout with Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Matt Stafford. The results were encouraging for Stafford and the Lions, who own the first pick in April's draft.

Sources described Stafford's workout as flawless, stating it was significantly better than his March 19 pro-day workout, also held at Georgia.

Stafford used his former Georgia teammates as primary pass catchers. Bulldog receivers Mohamed Massaquoi, Kenneth Harris, Demiko Goodman and tight end Tripp Chandler took part in the workout, but that is where the similarities to Stafford's college days ended.

The Lions coaching staff put Stafford through a workout that included an assortment of passes and routes he will be required to complete in the NFL and which will be part of the Detroit offense in 2009.

The draft's top quarterback was on point with all his throws throughout the session. He threw just about 40 passes and hit on all but three of them. Stafford fired the ball downfield, hitting receivers in stride, and threw accurately through the entire session.

Detroit coaches did speak with Stafford about aiming his passes, which negatively affected his accuracy, yet that seemed to be the only glitch all morning.

Overall, the Detroit brass were very complimentary about Stafford's work today. The Lions praised his overall passing mechanics and the way he threw the ball.

The draft is still more than three weeks away, but Stafford's workout today was so impressive that observers in Athens got the impression it was a "done deal" and the Lions will use the first pick to acquire Stafford.

Mark Sanchez and the USC Trojans hold their pro-day tomorrow in Los Angeles.

Did you write this? If so, then kudos. You have a fine career ahead of you in sports journalism.

If not, you should at least credit the source.

Iamcanadian · 04-01-2009, 09:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bored of education

I wouldn't expect any less. And look at the guy above me reaching for a reason to shoot down his great workout. Everyone knows on the field means more, but Stafford's pre-draft season has been amazing from this work out, to black board sessions to interviews etc.

It hasn't impressed the people who do the draft on NFL Network, they look at his film and find problems in his game when he is in game situations. They are not calling him a top 5 QB prospect and if that doesn't scare you, then you've got rose coloured glasses on.
Mayock correctly loved both Cutler and Ryan and predicted their success. In Cutler's case, he was only projected as a 2nd or 3rd rounder when Mayock was singing his praises and finally other scouts and GM came to realize Mayock was right. Last year, in January before the post season even got underway, Mayock had Ryan as his #1 overall prospect while other criticized him for his belief because Ryan's stats weren't that impressive but Mayock stuck to his guns and time proved him right on. Mayock has a solid track record for predicting QB's and he is saying Stafford shouldn't be Detroit's pick, that his game on film isn't strong enough to warrant the pick.
If we cannot trade for Cutler, I'm all for drafting a QB but I'm not going to agree that trading for a sure thing vs a high risk is wrong. If Stafford busts, you are looking at a minimum of 6 or 7 years before we will possibly have a solid QB in place. That is a prospect I don't want to think about, not when there is a sure thing there for the grabbing.

bored of education · 04-01-2009, 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iamcanadian

It hasn't impressed the people who do the draft on NFL Network, they look at his film and find problems in his game when he is in game situations. They are not calling him a top 5 QB prospect and if that doesn't scare you, then you've got rose coloured glasses on.
Mayock correctly loved both Cutler and Ryan and predicted their success. In Cutler's case, he was only projected as a 2nd or 3rd rounder when Mayock was singing his praises and finally other scouts and GM came to realize Mayock was right. Last year, in January before the post season even got underway, Mayock had Ryan as his #1 overall prospect while other criticized him for his belief because Ryan's stats weren't that impressive but Mayock stuck to his guns and time proved him right on. Mayock has a solid track record for predicting QB's and he is saying Stafford shouldn't be Detroit's pick, that his game on film isn't strong enough to warrant the pick.
If we cannot trade for Cutler, I'm all for drafting a QB but I'm not going to agree that trading for a sure thing vs a high risk is wrong. If Stafford busts, you are looking at a minimum of 6 or 7 years before we will possibly have a solid QB in place. That is a prospect I don't want to think about, not when there is a sure thing there for the grabbing.

Matty Ice and Jay Cutlerz were far from sure things as well. Mayock has lost some gusto over the last few years, he is smart but not the be all end all answer. He does have Ayers as his 5th over all prospect, he said Stafford is an elite prospect then hates on him. So those statments alone make me ehhh with him.

Maybe Next Year Millen2 · 04-01-2009, 11:23 AM

Mayock loved Matt Ryan because Mayock is a BC guy. Ryan is a good QB and Mayock could see it, but there was some bias there for sure.

Cutler,Mayock talked up but he didn't go until 12th. 12th isn't elite, I guess if he's not top 5 per Mayock but that could change. I don't see 7 prospects better than Stafford. Plus its hard to judge when they are all pretty much in the same tier and play different postions. Its a wild ass guesss to say this guy is the 2nd best guy and this guy is the 6th. 2nd and 6th is pretty close, each GM has a different board and say what you want but the pick for top 10 teams is usually based somewhat on need sometimes.

Stafford is a top 5 prospect IMO and thats good enough for number 1 for me because he'd be a franchise QB if he pans out. Plus other things weigh into it like franchise QBs being so important, money spent, plan for future drafts/how to build a team etc.

Stafford is a good prospect, good tape on him, good workout, good head on his shoulders, understands the game it seems. However, its a risk with him over Cutler, however, with Cutler we might have to give up more money and other draft picks that we really need. Denver wouldn't trade Cutler for Staffod only and assume the risk, we'd have to give up more than number 1. And giving up like 20 and 33 while Denver takes Sanchez at 12, I think we can get 2 quality players at 20 and 33 though so I'd rather roll the dice on Stafford and then get 2 qualitiy players to help this team.

P-L · 04-01-2009, 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iamcanadian

It hasn't impressed the people who do the draft on NFL Network, they look at his film and find problems in his game when he is in game situations. They are not calling him a top 5 QB prospect and if that doesn't scare you, then you've got rose coloured glasses on.

What makes the guys at NFL Network automatically right? I can have opinions different than someone on television and not be biased. There are flaws in everyone's game, and I happen to think Stafford's are correctable.

tblain1 · 04-01-2009, 11:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StorminNorman

The Detroit Lions brain trust headed south today to hold a private on-campus workout with Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Matt Stafford. The results were encouraging for Stafford and the Lions, who own the first pick in April's draft.

Two things not often associated with the Lions: Brain and Trust.
Although if you are a GM you can probably trust the Lions not to fire you after 7 crappy seasons.

But seriously, I'm happy to hear Stafford is getting high marks. I've stated my skepticism before but I understand how exciting it would be to actually get a solid QB in Detroit. I'm all for it, but still cautious. I'll believe it when I see it on the field. I still like the Lions taking a safer pick, but I feel much better about them taking Stafford.

SINCE1978 · 04-01-2009, 08:24 PM

I'm not a Stafford hater but I am with "Iamcanadian" in this post. Against air, with is college receivers, at his home field, in shorts & a t-shirt any QB could throw a high percentage of completions and look "flawless". He disappeared in too many big games for me to take #1 overall and guarantee him 30+ million ... at least not for Detroit, a team with soooo many holes to fill they need #1 overall to play right away and Stafford would not be that guy. That's my opinion and I know it is the minority in this post ;o)

d34ng3l021 · 04-01-2009, 08:39 PM

It is good to see that he was accurate. Ball placement is very important in the NFL. While I do agree that it was not under a pressure situation, thus making the feat a lot less impressive, the fact that he could easily make all the NFL throws required is always a plus.

I don't understand why people hold this whole 'choke in big games' thing against him. There are not too many collegiate (or NFL) QBs who will always deliver in big game situations. Matt Ryan did well in some big games, but also flopped in some [ACC Rivalry game against (unranked?) FSU]. The fact that Stafford wasn't a complete dud in the big games (in fact, he was pretty good in some of them), isn't something I would hold against him. He is 20 years old and has been starting in the SEC since his freshmen year; he isn't going to deliver all the time.

I do think he has the poise and toughness to continue to get better in the NFL in those regards. The more quickly the Lions cansee this and sign him, the better off he and the franchise will be in my opinion.

P-L · 04-01-2009, 09:56 PM

Yeah, the big games thing is ridiculous. First of all, I don't care what he did as a freshman. That was more than two years ago and he has shown considerable improvement since. So if he disappeared in a big game then, I don't care. What big game has he disappeared in since 2007? The Florida game this past year, when EVERYONE on the Georgia team disappeared. Ok, but what other game?

This past season he went on the road against Arizona State and was fantastic, he played well against Alabama despite his defense giving up 41 points, great against LSU, phenomenal against Georgia Tech, and dominated the second half against Michigan State.

In 2007 he was fantastic against Florida and played well against Hawaii until the lead got too big and they ran the ball for the rest of the game.

Kid is 3-0 in bowl games and 11-3 against the SEC over the last two years. What more do you want from him? He's not perfect, but disappearing in big games is not one of his flaws.

Prowler · 04-02-2009, 05:46 AM

completely agree, besides hasn't peyton manning disproved the whole choking in college thing?(he's forgiven for not beating the patriots early in his career because nobody else could)

SINCE1978 · 04-02-2009, 07:15 PM

http://m.espn.go.com/general/blogs/b...tString=0-9-44

So this article is chalked full of stats for you detailed draftniks out there who are drooling over Stafford. Listen, first round QB's who come out early miss waaaay more than they hit. Akili Smith & Jim Drunkenmiller is not good company to be sandwiched between for Stafford. I'm not trying to be a downer b/c with Cutler gone he is looking like our guy ... I would love to eat crow in 1 year but I'm just presenting the facts with this article and it's research on first round QB's.

El Peefs????? · 04-02-2009, 07:30 PM

Shouldnt every 1st round QB prospect be able to throw accurately to non covered WR with no line or rush in front of them?

Somehow I think Mark Sanchez can also jog around in shorts and deliver well placed balls to Patrick Turner with no one else in the vicinity.

detroit4life · 04-02-2009, 07:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Peefs

Shouldnt every 1st round QB prospect be able to throw accurately to non covered WR with no line or rush in front of them?

Somehow I think Mark Sanchez can also jog around in shorts and deliver well placed balls to Patrick Turner with no one else in the vicinity.

its more about where they put the ball and how hard they are throwing it.

StorminNorman · 04-02-2009, 07:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SINCE1978

http://m.espn.go.com/general/blogs/b...tString=0-9-44

So this article is chalked full of stats for you detailed draftniks out there who are drooling over Stafford. Listen, first round QB's who come out early miss waaaay more than they hit. Akili Smith & Jim Drunkenmiller is not good company to be sandwiched between for Stafford. I'm not trying to be a downer b/c with Cutler gone he is looking like our guy ... I would love to eat crow in 1 year but I'm just presenting the facts with this article and it's research on first round QB's.

Stafford isn't a junior in the normal sense.

He has more starting experience than Matt Ryan did coming out of BC and he entered UGA a semester early (giving him an extra off season).