Georgia QB Matthew Stafford top draft pick

NEW YORK, April 25 (UPI) -- The Detroit Lions made Georgia quarterback Matthew Stafford the official top pick Saturday in the 2009 NFL Draft in New York.

Financial terms were not disclosed, but both Detroit Free Press and Detroit News said Stafford inked a six-year, $78 million contract on Friday night, becoming the ninth quarterback in the last 12 years to be the draft's No. 1 overall selection.

His $78 million deal is the richest in the history of the draft, topping the six-year, $72 million deal the Atlanta Falcons gave quarterback Matt Ryan, the No. 3 overall pick last year.

The 6-foot-3 inch, 237-pound Stafford, a Dallas native, was a Second Team All-SEC selection in 2008, when he passed for 3,459 yards and a school-record 25 touchdowns with 10 interceptions.

He left Georgia with one year of college eligibility.

Adding to his 2008 totals was a single-season record of 3,499 yards total offense.

With picks 2-5, St. Louis selected Baylor offensive tackle Jason Smith, Kansas City took LSU defensive end Tyson Jackson, Seattle tabbed Wake Forest linebacker Aaron Curry, and the New York Jets traded up to select Southern California quarterback Mark Sanchez, who some analysts have said is the best signal-caller in this year's draft.