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Report: Stafford Impresses Lions In Private Workout

The Dallas-native is the favorite to be the number one overall pick in the April draft

By Scott M. Crisp

| Wednesday, Apr 1, 2009 | Updated 6:30 AM CST

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Report: Stafford Impresses Lions In Private Workout

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Matthew Stafford seems to be Detroit-bound after what was said to be an impressive private workout with the Lions.

Before Tuesday, there was a pretty good chance of Highland Park and Georgia alum Matthew Stafford would be the first overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft.

Now, it looks like a near certainty; SI.com’s Tony Pauline reported that Stafford impressed Detroit Lions coaches in a private workout in Athens on Tuesday, leading some of those in attendance to remark that the could-be marriage was all but a “done deal.”

The draft is still nearly a month away, though Stafford has consistently impressed since leaving Georgia, with his mechanics, athleticism and ability to adjust to intricate systems, such as those he was challenged with on Tuesday by the Lions.

Stafford reportedly hit receivers on 37 of 40 passes.

The Highland Park native used some of his Bulldog teammates for the workout, including Mohamed Massaquoi, Demiko Goodman and Tripp Chandler.

Lions representatives said that Stafford’s Tuesday performance was a major upgrade from his pro-day last month, and that his stock would rise significantly because of it.

The NFL Draft will take place on April 26-27 in New York City.