After weighing all the factors, I came to the conclusion the Lions should select Matthew Stafford with the first overall pick in the NFL Draft.
But I also understand, especially after hosting radio shows the last week, including Saturday morning after the deal was completed, the Lions' decision couldn't be more unpopular with their fans.
I'd say every seven of 10 calls were against the Lions taking a QB, and often Stafford in particular. There was often a harsh bitterness in the tone.
It points to two things: Just how burned Lion fans felt by Joey Harrington. It also reveals just how much mistrust the Lions' fans have in the franchise and its management. That part hasn't changed. And it is more than understandable.
The Lions will have to deal with this. They can't make Stafford the focus of a marketing campaign, and he is going to have to develop a thick skin. He can only win the Lions' fans over with victories and by being standup guy. No hype will do.
The Lions handled Harrington poorly. They coddled him, and he'd act like a spoiled brat. By the time he developed an understanding of the pressure points of the position, it was too late.
Harrington was already ruined.
The last thing the Lions should do is make it easy on Stafford that way. If he doesn't embrace the pressure of playing QB in a town that has a natural scorn for the position, he has no chance.
He can't hide from it, so the worst thing he can do it run from it.

My Sunday column on the Lions' draft.

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