The NFL Draft is finally here and begins at 8 PM on ESPN and NFL Network. The draft is being held in Philadelphia this year for the first time. Let’s preview what could happen in the draft for the NFC North and lay out all the current draft picks scheduled for each North Team.
Chicago Bears
Pick 3 Round 1
Pick 36 Round 2
Pick 67 Round 3
Pick 111 Round 4
Pick 117 Round 4
Pick 147 Round 5
Pick 221 Round 7
The Bears have a top 3 pick after a dismal 2016 season and could go a number of ways depending on the board. QB Mike Glennon was added to be the new starting QB but Mitch Trubisky or DeShaun Watson could still be in play at pick 3 and too good to pass up for GM Ryan Pace. Dazone Kizer or Pat Mahomes could be QBs picked at pick 36 or the Bears may move up back into Round 1 for a QB.
The Bears need a WR1, CB and could add along the defensive line at pick 3.
Myles Garrett, Solomon Thomas or Jonathan Allen are possible at pick 3. CB Marshon Lattimore or safety Jamaal Adams are long shots at pick 3. We’ll see if the Bears stay put or trade down to add more picks if some other team wants a QB at pick 3. Chicago trading down and adding Mike Williams, John Ross or Corey Davis at WR is possible too after losing Alshon Jeffrey in free agency. Chicago could upgrade at tackle at pick 36 or 67 too but may stick with Charles Leno and Bobbie Massie for one more year.
Minnesota Vikings
Pick 48 Round 2
Pick 79 Round 3
Pick 86 Round 3
Pick 120 Round 4
Pick 128 Round 4
Pick 160 Round 5
Pick 199 Round 6
Pick 232 Round 7
The Vikings lost pick 14 due to the trade to the Eagles for Sam Bradford prior to the 2016 season. The Vikings still have needs at DT (Floyd injury), weak side LB, nickel CB, right guard and WR 1. Minnesota could upgrade at tackle even though they signed Riley Reiff and Mike Remmers in free agency. Remmers could also move to guard if the Vikings take a right tackle at pick 48 (Anthony Garcia, Will Moton). Dan Feeney would be a good guard to add in Round 2. The Vikings have an extra 3rd and 4th round pick and could use that ammunition to move around on day 2.
Detroit Lions
Pick 21 Round 1
Pick 53 Round 2
Pick 85 Round 3
Pick 127 Round 4
Pick 165 Round 5
Pick 205 Round 6
Pick 215 Round 6
Pick 250 Round 7
The Lions have a few needs and plenty of picks in this draft. GM Bob Quinn stood pat and didn’t make any trades with 10 picks in 2016. We’ll see if Detroit trades up or down this draft. Detroit could add a closed end or coverage three down LB in Round 1 or Round 2. Slot WR is not out of the question either given Boldin’s limbo status for next season in Detroit. TE could be added on day 3 to add young talent with Ebron and Fells. A power back could be added to compete with Zach Zenner or Dwayne Washington on day 2 or day 3. Detroit could start thinking to the future at CB2 and Free Safety but Lawson and Quin could also be re-signed next offseason.
Taco Charlton, Hasson Reddick, Derek Barnett, Jarrad Davis would be great Round 1 picks for Detroit at 21. Kevin King (CB), Corey Davis (WR), Zach Cunningham (LB), Tyus Bowser (LB), John Ross (WR), TJ Watt (LB) and Jabrill Peppers also have some probability to be selected by Bob Quinn in 21 or after a trade down in Round 1.
Green Bay Packers
Pick 29 Round 1
Pick 61 Round 2
Pick 93 Round 3
Pick 134 Round 4
Pick 172 Round 5
Pick 182 Round 5
Pick 212 Round 6
Pick 247 Round 7
The Packers have needs at CB1, Right Guard, Running Back and Outside Linebacker in this draft. GM Ted Thompson has plenty of picks and have moved up and down in the past. Green Bay could take Charles Harris or Takarrist McKinley at OLB in Round 1 or try for a CB like Kevin King or Marlon Humphrey. Forrest Lamp enters the fray as a guard prospect at 29 and Dalvin Cook or Christian McAffery could fall to the Packers at pick 29 at RB. Green Bay could take a WR with Davante Adams set to be a free agent next year and Jordy Nelson at 31 years old too. Safety is in play on day 2 due to Morgan Burnett’s free agency in 2018 and Michah Hyde moving on to Buffalo. Thompson will take BPA and hope to improve his defense and weakened offensive line/running game.