NFL Draft: The Myth of the Sure Thing QB
Jan 4, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) laughs during the game against the Dallas Cowboys in the NFC Wild Card Playoff Game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Stafford is a big armed QB that has held down the fort in Detroit ever since being drafted 1st overall in the 2009 NFL Draft. Stafford, out of Georgia, has a lot of positives to his game but has struggled at times in the NFL. Before coming out of Georgia there were concerns about him as well:
"Negatives: Can get fundamentally lazy… … Though he has an efficient overall release, should be able to speed it up for underneath screens passes to take better advantage of the surprise to the defense. … Sloppy footwork. … Will get lazy and throw off his back foot, which could lead to turnovers in the NFL… … Willing to throw into tight spots, though more often than not he places the ball where it needs to be… … Not great accuracy on crossing routes. … Too often leads his receivers too far or forces them to reach back, slowing their momentum and limiting their ability to generate yardage after the catch."
Lazy, written a couple ways in that negatives report, is not something you want from your Franchise Guy. He was still taken #1 overall and many thought he could be a sure thing as long as he applied himself. Those concerns seemed valid early in Stafford’s career.
Next: Jay Cutler