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The Honolulu Advertiser
Updated at 11:33 a.m., Friday, May 1, 2009

NFL: QB Stafford, No. 1 pick in draft, has 1st practice

By LARRY LAGE
AP Sports Writer

ALLEN PARK, Mich. — Detroit Lions coach Jim Schwartz says quarterback Matthew Stafford was "overanxious" in his first day on the practice field with the team.

The No. 1 pick in the NFL draft was joined Friday by fellow first-round pick tight end Brandon Pettigrew, the rest of Detroit's selections last weekend and undrafted prospects such as Demir Boldin and Gerald Riggs Jr.

Team owner William Clay Ford watched the minicamp workout, clearly interested in seeing the player he's giving $41.7 million in guarantees and as much as $78 million as part of a six-year contract.

Schwartz says once Stafford settled in, he was much more effective. The first-year coach said the quarterback's footwork was good and his release was excellent.