The NFL Draft is almost here, so here are my BOLD draft predictions for the NFC North:
Detroit Lions: Building through the trenches:
Dan Campbell strikes me as the type of coach who loves to build his team through elite offensive and defensive line play. With no real needs at the skill positions except for depth purposes, I see them drafting exclusively linemen through Thursday and Friday of this draft.
A WR3 for Goff:
The Lions have not found a consistent receiving option to be their WR3 in the Jared Goff era. I think they take a shot at one on Day 3 of this draft – someone like Kobe Hudson out of UCF or Isaac TeSlaa out of Arkansas should be available for them.
Minnesota Vikings: A Trade back in:
Minnesota traded away its own 2nd and 3rd round picks last year, leaving only a 1st and a compensatory 3rd for Thursday and Friday. I expect to see the Vikings use their 1st round pick to trade back and accumulate a higher volume of picks, or trade away future selections to have more for Thursday and Friday.
Protecting the franchise:
I think Minnesota will select an offensive lineman on either Thursday or Friday. They declared their intent this offseason to build around JJ McCarthy at quarterback, and they can ensure his safety and help their run game by drafting an offensive lineman. A utility piece like Grey Zabel or Wyatt Milium makes sense to fill in any spot they so choose.
Green Bay Packers: Gary gets a partner:
The Packers have Rashan Gary solidified as an elite edge rusher on one side, but it can never hurt to have two. I expect them to draft an edge rusher in round 1. The Packers have built a habit of taking Georgia Bulldogs on the defensive end, and Edge Mykel Williams would make a lot of sense.
No offensive skill players:
The Packers have one of the youngest offensive skill groups in the league, and they have all shown promise that they can succeed in the NFL. For that reason, I think Green Bay will choose to develop this core as opposed to drafting more in the draft this season.
Chicago Bears: Protecting the assets:
Chicago finally thinks they have their QB of the future in Caleb Williams. But they must keep him healthy, and they had one of the worst offensive lines in the league last season. In the first round this year, both Kelvin Banks and Armand Membou could potentially fall to Chicago and step right in and start.
Offense, offense, offense:
Bears’ new head coach Ben Johnson is a former offensive coordinator, and I expect the front office to give him some toys to play with in this draft. After an OL in round 1, I expect this team to draft a RB, WR, and TE before the draft ends on Saturday.
