NEW YORK (AP) -One of the biggest rebuilding jobs in NFL history has its centerpiece.
Georgia quarterback Matthew Stafford was drafted first overall Saturday by the Detroit Lions, the only team to ever go 0-16 in a season.
The junior already has agreed to a six-year deal with $41.7 million in guarantees and a maximum value of $78 million, even though he is not expected to start as a rookie.
“I put a lot of pressure on myself to be great anyway,” Stafford said.
The Lions, whose poor draft history this decade under Matt Millen eventually led to the winless season, have veteran Daunte Culpepper as the projected starter this year under new coach Jim Schwartz. That should give the 21-year-old Stafford a chance to watch and learn.
Still, the pick was greeted with loud boos and chants of “OVERRATED” from the fans at Radio City Music Hall.
Stafford stepped outside of a restaurant where he was with about 20 people, including his parents, to talk to agent Tom Condon, who had just completed negotiations with the Lions.
t back in and gave everybody the thumbs up,” Stafford said.
Then Stafford picked up the check.
Nine of the last 12 top overall picks have been quarterbacks. They have included the likes of Peyton and Eli Manning. And Tim Couch, David Carr and Alex Smith.
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