Matt Stafford SELECTED BY: Lions Round 1 (1)

SI Grade 4.22 GRADING SYSTEM

BIOGRAPHY: Three-year starter awarded all-conference honors as a senior after passing numbers of 61.1%/3,209/22/9. Sophomore totals included 55.7%/2,523 /19/10.

POSITIVES: Strong-armed passer with a gunslingers mentality. Patient in the pocket, displays terrific poise, and always in control. Buys time for receivers, moves around behind the line of scrimmage to give himself a better view of the field, and remains calm as the pocket collapses around him. Senses pressure, displays the ability to elude the rush, and does a nice job protecting the ball. Possesses a great sense of knowing what's happening on the field, and shows a lot of toughness to his game. Stands in the pocket and takes the big hit in order to get the throw away. Quickly sets up in the pocket and throws with an over-the-top delivery. Zips the pass into receivers, and gets the ball through the tight spots. Does a good job with his defensive reads, recognizing blitzes and then quickly finding hot receiver. Natural looking off the safety. Powers the ball downfield and drives long passes. Consistently challenges the vertical game.

NEGATIVES: Puts the deep ball into double coverage on occasion. Lacks classic height for a pocket passer or franchise quarterback.

ANALYSIS: Stafford is a skilled quarterback who can take over games when he hits on all cylinders. He possesses the arm strength, mental intangibles, and accuracy to lead a franchise for years to come at the next level. Stafford is also a tough passer who leads by example. He is not a quarterback for everyone, as his smallish frame will knock him off the draft boards of certain teams, yet in time, Stafford will be a very good quarterback at the next level.

PROJECTION: First Round