And with the #1 pick the Lions take...Where are the Lions?

[Panthro]

They could pull a Vikings...but in an intelligent way lol

http://www.fannation.com/truth_and_rumors/view/99070-why-lions-could-pass-on-no-1-pick?eref=fromSI

[Murph]

The problem with that is that agents have already been quoted saying they will still demand the same money that would go for where the team's original pick was (meaning #1 money in this situation).

[R0CKnR0LLA]

The problem with that is that agents have already been quoted saying they will still demand the same money that would go for where the team's original pick was (meaning #1 money in this situation).

Exactly, they are going to have to shell out a ridiculous amount of cash either way. Their best bet is to have talks with the top 4-5 guys on their board and see whose willing to negotiate a reasonable contract. They can use the #1 spot to their advantage, telling the guys if they won't agree to a deal they will just draft someone else. That could make the player slide several spots in the draft and potentially cost them millions. Once the Lions use their pick, they lose this leverage.

[Panthro]

The problem with that is that agents have already been quoted saying they will still demand the same money that would go for where the team's original pick was (meaning #1 money in this situation).

demanding and getting are two different things

[R0CKnR0LLA]

demanding and getting are two different things

I think the problem is that once drafted, the players have all the leverage and can demand a huge contract and hold out until they get it. If a player refuses to sign with a team, that team loses all rights to them and their name goes back into the draft the next year. The team doesn't get the draft pick back or compensated in any way.

At this point, the NFL needs to step in and do something. A cap on rookie contracts, based on where you are drafted, would work.

One alternative is to add a rule, that if a player won't sign with a team and re-enters the draft the next year, the team recoups the draft pick used. Obviously, this is an extreme situation and one that would rarely happen, if ever. However, it would give teams more leverage to negotiate contracts and allow them to take a firm stance if the agent/player is being unreasonable.

[Panthro]

The Lions skipping their pick would really get this issue worked out quick

[R0CKnR0LLA]

I'm just glad we aren't in the situation of being 0-16 and having a #1 overall pick Honestly, I think the best picks are in the 12-18 range. Still top level talent and the contracts are relatively cheap when compared to the top 5.

[Mr. Scot]

Detroit Free Press says Lions president Tom Lewand has dismissed this notion.

Lions President talks number one pick, sort of

Related news: Matt Stafford is telling his friends it's a done deal that the Lions will pick him.

PFT: Stafford telling teammates he'll be a Lion

Loose lips have been known to sink deals before. Stafford would do better to shut his trap.

[Delhommey]

Every year we hear this...

[Fireball77]

Didn't Scrum say he is dumb as a box of hammers? That's good enough for me.