Armed with the dubious honor of first selection after posting the worst record last season in becoming the first club to go without a win in 16 games, the Lions kick off seven rounds and 256 picks by the 32 teams.
The draft, featuring the best college football players, is the primary way NFL teams are stocked with talent as clubs pick in inverse order of the standings to promote parity.
Several prominent players were invited to New York for the televised Radio City Hall extravaganza and before attending a youth program event on Friday in Central Park they met NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.
"We talked to the commissioner in the morning about the feelings and emotions we are going through over the draft," Wake Forest linebacker Aaron Curry told reporters.
"He said it was the best day for the NFL because every team gets better and he hopes to see us all in the Pro Bowl."
Offensive tackles could figure among the top picks with Jason Smith of Baylor, Andre Smith of Alabama, Eugene Monroe of Virginia and Michael Oher of Mississippi rated highly.
Linebacker Aaron Curry of Wake Forest and defensive ends Brian Orakpo of Texas and Tyson Jackson of Louisiana State University are among the leading defensive players while University of Southern California quarterback Mark Sanchez has also impressed teams in the market for a signal caller.
Michael Crabtree of Texas Tech and speedy Jeremy Maclin of Missouri head a group of talented wide receivers.
Stafford said his agent had been talking to the Lions but he had received no word on a deal.
"It's a crazy business and draft day is a crazy day," Stafford said. "I'd love to be the first pick, anybody in the draft would.
"If it doesn't happen I really don't mind where I go. I'll get the playbook, learn it as quick as I possibly can, put my head down and go to work."
Goodell said: "We expect 36 million people to watch this two-day draft this weekend. It will be the most watched sporting event of the weekend."
The commissioner, however, is no fan of the high salaries paid to NFL rookies.
Last year he described some deals as "ridiculous" for players unproven in the league and he vowed on Friday to work with the players association to curb rookie salaries.
The overall top pick last year, Michigan tackle Jake Long, signed a five-year, $57.75 million contract with the Miami Dolphins including $30 million guaranteed.
Orakpo said he knew millions of dollars were awaiting him but was still in anxious mood.
"You want to know where you're gonna be," he said. "It's like being on standby for an aeroplane.
"You don't have a sure flight and don't know where you're going to end up."
