The Detroit Lions are second overall in the upcoming 2022 NFL Draft, but they still have another catch up in the air.
The Los Angeles Rams play the Arizona Cardinals in a must-see game for Lions fans Monday. The Lions own the Rams’ first-round pick in the draft, acquired as part of the Matthew Stafford deal last offseason. According to Sunday’s wild card game list, the Rams’ pick will be between 23rd and 32nd overall.
In the interest of rebuilding the Lions, it would be ideal to have as low a selection as possible. This would mean a quick exit from the playoffs for the Cardinals. Coupled with a second draft pick and an early second-round pick, the Lions are primed to pull some quality picks. The Lions could still score with the last pick in the first round, but earlier is always better, especially when a draft day trade ensues.
However, fighting the Rams also means fighting a key figure in Detroit Lions history. Matthew Stafford was a quarterback at Detroit for over a decade, and unfortunately, despite the statistical success he achieved, it never did much. Whether from a coaching carousel, an offensive program that never really lived up to its strengths, or a running game that wasn’t even average, the Lions failed to win a single playoff game.
If you’re a Lions fan who still holds onto your affection for Matthew Stafford, this could be a tough game. Are you cheering for the draft position or are you cheering for a former icon of your franchise?
Today’s question of the day is:
Are you cheering for or against the Rams?
My Answer: I cheer for the Rams.
Some fans may now dismiss Stafford as just another player as trades are just the nature of the NFL. That’s a reasonable assumption. After all, it’s in Detroit’s best interests that Los Angeles lose, damn Stafford.
Still, I like Stafford far too much to actively fight it. I want him to finally achieve the post-season success that he’s missed in his entire career. Stafford poured his heart into the Lions during his time with them. With a remodel looming, it made sense for the franchise and player to part ways. The Lions received numerous valuable draft picks and Jared Goff. The Rams received a quarterback they believed could put them in Super Bowl competition.
If winning or losing was the difference between fifth overall and 10th overall, I might be more inclined to cheer against the Rams. Late first round picks, however, have similar stats. For example, Jimmy Johnson’s draft value chart rates the 32nd pick at 590, but the 26th pick at 700. In contrast, the second overall pick is rated at 2600. Teams will often rate the top prospects similarly, but once you get beyond Pick 15 or so, the draft becomes pretty unpredictable. The Lions can still “get their man” regardless of when the Rams’ election is.
Does my cheering for or against a team actually affect the outcome of the game? You should cheer for what makes you happy. Right now, the idea of Stafford making the playoffs makes me happier than a slightly earlier draft pick. It’s a win-win situation. When the Rams win, I see one of my favorite players move on. If the Rams lose, the Lions get a better draft position.
Do you value the draft position above all else, do you still have an ongoing commitment to Matthew Stafford, or do you feel indifferent?
It’s your turn.
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Are you cheering for or against the Rams?
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