Matthew Stafford shouldn't see the field much in his first year. (Craig Ruttle / Associated Press)

Will Matthew Stafford be the next Matt Ryan … or the next Joey Harrington?

Well, fantasy owners likely won’t have a chance to find out next season. While Lions coach Jim Schwartz said he will keep an open mind in the battle for the top spot on the depth chart, chances are that Daunte Culpepper will be under center in Week 1.

That won’t allow Stafford much of a chance to make an impact in fantasy circles.

Furthermore, it’s hard to envision a scenario where he comes out and has any value as a rookie. Ryan and Joe Flacco were both fifth-year seniors coming out of college, while Stafford, an underclassman, will need more time to develop at the NFL level.

Stafford’s value will be limited to keeper and dynasty leagues on fantasy Draft Day.

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