NFC North Round Table: Offseason Edition
By Mike Payton
Which direction will your team likely go in the 1st round?
SLR: ” It’s tough ti say exactly at this moment. The Lions have a pretty decent spot right in the middle of the first round and will have nine other picks to work with after that. Either way it’s going to be a guy that either plays on the offensive line or the defensive line. Offensive line for obvious reasons. But the defensive line to help shore up the Lions rush defense that did show improvement down the stretch, but still needs the help. The good thing is that this is probably one of the best defensive tackle classes in NFL Draft history. “
TVA: “I find myself flopping between wide receiver, linebacker, safety, or corner in the first round. It will all come down to which player represents the best value at a position of somewhat need when the Minnesota Vikings are on the board. Because of that, trying to figure out a specific player or position is very difficult. However, if a big bodied pass catcher with a good vertical that is a solid route runner is available, that would likely be the pick.”
BAR: “I do trust Ryan Pace when he says they will see how the board drops and select the Best Player Available. Having said that, like Jose Cotto pointed out on our website, if they have two players graded similarly they will clearly draft for need.
The top need areas are in the defensive line and edge rusher, left tackle and tight end. I suspect they will have their choices of Vernon Hargreaves III, Ronnie Stanley, A’Shawn Robinson, Shaq Lawson (there are no tight ends worthy of a first round pick).
If one of the top two quarterbacks falls to 11 (unlikely) Pace will have a major decision to make – choose Jay Cutler’s successor or trade down.
APC: “Defense and mainly for a depth perspective. There is a plethora of defensive tackle talent in this years draft, and it would be nice to add a premier defensive tackle along side Guion next season. Whether it be defensive tackle or linebacker (either outside or inside) the Packers should have an optimal chance to select a defensive stud given what the trend of recent mocks are showing. “
Next: Who would you like to see your team draft?