50. <p>The combination of quarterback Matthew Stafford and receiver Calvin Johnson can still win games for the Lions. So whoever the new G.M. is shouldn’t be in a big hurry to break them up. If anything, they should protect Stafford to keep them productive.</p>
<p>Stafford has never had a quality left tackle that he can depend on before. Gosder Cherilus and Riley Reiff, both 1st-round picks of the past, simply didn’t work out. Stafford’s career was was filled with injuies in the beginning because of it.</p>
<p>Jack Conklin is the type of franchise left tackle Stafford deserves. In his matchups with top edge-rusher prospects, Conklin showed he can protect the QB’s blind side. So here at No. 13 overall, the Lions get their guy from right down the street.</p>
<p>This is the perfect match of need and projected value for the Lions. Conlkin’s current quarterback doesn’t worry bout his blind side at all when he drops back to pass. For the rest of his days in Detroit, that’s what Stafford would have to look foward to.</p>. OT. Michigan State. Jack Conklin. 13. player