Lions expect deal with top pick before draft day

[April 22, 2009]  ALLEN PARK, Mich. (AP) -- Lions general manager Martin Mayhew says the chances are very good Detroit will have a deal done with the No. 1 pick before the NFL draft begins Saturday.

Mayhew declined to say much else during a news conference Tuesday. The Lions have taken great pride in staying quiet about their plans.

"I hope nobody expects me to say anything earth-shattering," Mayhew said in his opening comments.

Mayhew said the list of candidates to take first overall Saturday has narrowed, but he wouldn't talk about specific players when he was asked about Georgia quarterback Matthew Stafford.

Detroit is expected to draft Stafford, Wake Forest linebacker Aaron Curry or Baylor offensive tackle Jason Smith with the No. 1 pick, hoping one of the college stars will help turn around the NFL's first 0-16 team.

Messages seeking comment were left with agents for Stafford, Curry and Smith.

Mayhew said there has been some "moderate interest" from other teams, seeking a trade for the No. 1 pick.

[Associated Press; By LARRY LAGE]

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