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QB Drew Stanton, Detroit Lions

HT: 6-3, WT: 235, Born: 5-7-1984, College: Michigan State, Drafted: Round 2

2008 Projections

Best Case

Drew Stanton has been promised a shot at winning the starting role this season. Several observers in the Detroit organization are rumored to say that Stanton is already a better QB than Jon Kitna. With two highly talented WRs in Roy Williams and Calvin Johnson on hand, Stanton has a significant advantage should he see playing time. Talent evaluators raved about Stanton when he has his game together, and he possesses all the skills to be a highly successful NFL quarterback. If Detroit allows him to develop at his own pace then they could have a long-term starter on their hands.

Worst Case

Stanton was drafted to be the future of the Mike Martz-led offense. Martz is gone. Learning a second system in his second season will be tough for a young QB who may not be mature enough to take the pressure that goes along with starting in the NFL. In college, consistency was a big problem for Stanton, and if he's pressed into action too soon it could have a detrimental long-term effect. The Lions offense doesn't really have a good line or a running game that would help a young QB either. If Stanton needs further off-field development then the more experienced Dan Orlovsky will get the call up should Jon Kitna falter.

Outlook

Stanton had his footwork, grip and mechanics changed by Mike Martz before his season-ending knee injury. To assess his development Scot Loeffler has been brought in specifically as QB coach to get Stanton back on track. The opportunity is there for Drew Stanton to make an impact this season. Jon Kitna is another year older, the Lions have a strong group of receivers and if Stanton makes significant progress he could be pressed into action sooner, rather than later. Stanton will do well if given the chance; just be patient in regards to his fantasy performance.

Why he is a good deep sleeper pick

Chris Smith - Most fantasy owners don't even have Drew Stanton on the radar this season and he may not even emerge as the #2 in Detroit this season. However he is a local boy with a good arm and if the Lions falter out of the gate, it may make sense to give this Michigan State kid a chance. Jon Kitna had his chance to lead this team last season and really didn't play very well. At his age and the likelihood the Lions will struggle once again to get a sniff at the playoffs, looking to the future may mean giving Stanton a shot in 08. Definitely a last-round kind of player or even one to watch as a free agent but it wouldn't surprise me to see him starting in Detroit by week eight at the latest.

2008 Schedule