Here's the last piece in my roundabout explanation why I think Seattle will draft Matthew Stafford.
1. Detroit
Relevant information: GM Martin Mayhew and Head Coach Jim Schwarz are economics majors who graduated from Georgetown.
Reason it's relevant: Quarterback is a risky position and Stafford is a risky pick. I'm sure Mayhew is abundantly aware of the potential boondoggle a first round pick can become. Schwarz is known for his support and endorsement of Football Outsiders. Between Stafford's lousy Lewin Projection and a small raft of elite, low risk tackle talents, the Lions are very unlikely to take Stafford in the first.
Complicating Factor: Two economics majors at the helm means Detroit trading down for something less than perceived value is very possible. The team that trades with Detroit could target Stafford.
2. Saint Louis
Relevant Information: Saint Louis signed Bulger during the rolling times of 2007. The team was fresh off an 8-8 season and thought it was building towards the future, not, you know, investing with Bernie Madoff. Trusting the then 30 year old Bulger was squarely within his prime, the team heavily back loaded the contract. Rotoworld reports that cutting or trading Bulger would cost nearly ten million against the cap.
Reason it's relevant: Of the many needs for the 2-14 Rams, quarterback is not one of them. Saint Louis can't move Bulger anyway. The Rams signed Steven Jackson to a six year, 44.8 million dollar contract, and have added offensive talent in each of the last two drafts. Rumors are circulating the team will cut Orlando Pace.
The teamed signed Steve Spagnuolo to be their head coach, but the defense is old and almost talent free in the secondary. Unless Malcolm Jenkins bombs out at the combine, expect him to be a Ram. If Jenkins does bomb out, or if the Rams cut ties with Pace, a tackle would also make sense. What doesn't make sense is having another hugely expensive quarterback on the roster.
Complicating Factor: None.
3. Kansas City
Relevant Information: Tyler Thigpen is 24 and doesn't completely suck.
Reason it's relevant: Kansas City's brain trust is two guys, Scott Pioli and Todd Haley, known for getting top production out of unlikely quarterbacks. Pioli participated in New England drafting Tom Brady 199th overall. That's documented. What's less well known is Haley's role developing Tony Romo (as passing game coordinator in Dallas) and guiding Kurt Warner to a late-career resurgence. Haley has also seen his share of first round flameouts, most recently in (maybe) Matt Leinart, but more infamously in Rex "Sex Cannon" Grossman.
Complicating Factor: Thigpen might completely suck.