Stafford has legitimate shot of going No. 1

Matthew Stafford is rated by many draft services among the three best potential quarterbacks in the upcoming NFL draft, along with Oklahoma’s Sam Bradford and USC’s Mark Sanchez, neither of whom have said if they are also going to leave college early.

Either way, Stafford should become a very rich man after he signs with his next team. Why? Because the teams drafting 1-2-3 had the worst records in the NFL for many reasons, one of which is they didn’t have good quarterbacks. Dan Orlovsky, Brodie Croyle ring a bell?

And the teams that draft high must pay those picks a lot of money. A lot of money.

Last year’s No. 1, offensive tackle Jake Long, signed a five-year, $57.75 million deal with the Miami Dolphins. Matt Ryan was the first quarterback selected, at No. 3, and signed a seven-year, $72 million contract with $34.75 million guaranteed.

While Stafford isn’t likely to fall out of the top 10, Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers can tell you that stranger things have happened in the past (in 2005 Rodgers was expected to be a top 10 pick, but fell all the way to the low 20s).

Here’s a look at the teams who would likely select Stafford, with their place in the draft noted.

•1. Detroit. There’s the pride in being the first pick, there’s the relief that you’ll never have to worry about money again, and there’s the shock of remembering that your future is tied to that of the most dysfunctional franchise in the league, and perhaps all of pro sports.

•2. St. Louis. QB Marc Bulger was arguably the worst in the league last year, but the offensive line didn’t help him a lot. The Rams could opt for Alabama tackle Andre Smith here, or Bradford, but don’t be surprised if Stafford is wearing the blue and gold next year.

•3. Kansas City. The Chiefs’ future can’t be hitched to Tyler Thigpen. No offense to Thigpen. … The biggest concern for Stafford is coach Herm Edwards likely has one more year. So, Stafford would learn one system his rookie year, and then have to learn another for the next coach. Not a good way to start.

•10. San Francisco. This could be the ideal landing spot, but new coach Mike Singletary, who loves defense, likely won’t spend his first pick on a QB. Should the 49ers select Stafford, the NFC West is a poor division, and few pay attention to the 49ers anymore, so there will be less media scrutiny.

•15. Houston. Another long shot. The team has a lot of money tied up in injured QB Matt Schaub, and Sage Rosenfels played well last year. Playing in his native state could be fun for Stafford, but it would be shocking to see the Texans go for a QB in the first round, and not an offensive lineman, or defensive back.