2010 NFL Mock Draft: NFC North Edition
Published by Chris Young on April 11, 2010
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears
2010 NFL Mock Draft: NFC North Edition
Minnesota Vikings are yet to receive negotiation talks from Brett Favre, and should go through this draft in the sense that they won’t have him back this year. Drafting a cornerback and a quarterback in later rounds would be pretty ideal for the Vikings in this year’s draft.
Green Bay would love to clean up the offensive line, especially left tackle. Aaron Rogers still puts up big numbers but very well could be league MVP if he was equipped with either a healthy line or an upgrade.
Detroit Lions will look to make some strides in the right direction this year and could possibly move to third in the north.
Detroit should look to draft a franchise player to keep Stafford off his back.
2. Detroit Lions—OT Russell Okung, Oklahoma State
Season Record: 2-14
Detroit Lions drafted their future franchise quarterback in last year’s draft, so it would only make sense to draft your future franchise left tackle in Russell Okung.
Jeff Backus is currently their starting left tackle, still reliable and above average tackle, but Detroit still needs to get younger and more talented on the line.
Backus would be the perfect backup at all positions for Detroit besides center.
Okung plays with great balance, sets up quickly in pass protection and is very consistent at setting up wide and shutting down the perimeter against speed rushers.
The Lions have a few options here with the second pick overall; draft either Russell Okung or Ndamukong Suh, and they might draft out of the second spot, mainly because of money issues.
They might not want to pay another top five pick big money.
Normally to rebuild a team you either work on offense or defense. Detroit obviously has more potential on offense than defense.
Matthew Stafford will become another Joey Harrington, if Detroit does not start drafting offense to build around Stafford and Calvin Johnson.
Other Possibilities: DT Ndamukong Suh, DT Gerald McCoy, trade out
23. Green Bay Packers—CB Joe Haden, Florida
Season Record: 11-5
Green Bay is getting quite old at the cornerback position. Al Harris (35) and Charles Woodson (33) can’t play at an elite level forever.
Al Harris and Will Blackman are coming off ACL surgeries and Harris might not even be granted a roster spot this coming year.
ProFootballFocus.com rates Charles Woodson as the No. 1 cornerback in 2009.
Selecting Joe Haden could be a great match; Green Bay does not have anyone reliable if Woodson or Harris. Jarrett Bush and Tramon Williams played awful in Al Harris’ absents.
Joe Haden would be a great fit in a 3-4 defense, especially as a backup to Harris and Woodson at this time.
Haden does not have a problem coming off the edge and bringing pressure to the quarterback, shows great open field tackling and signs of a big hitter at times.
I do have Haden sliding down to 23 because he does get caught gambling and is suspect to double moves. Haden also has been seen to not recognize routes in zone coverage and in off man packages.
This is where Woodson and Harris come in and help him to become the elite cornerback that he is supposed to be in the NFL.
Green Bay has some other needs; offensive line and outside linebacker. Offensive tackle was pretty bad last year, never could stay healthy there. Now that Aaron Kampman is gone to Jacksonville, Green Bay will need to find a replacement.
Green Bay can come back out and be another strong contender and possibly better than last year if they can stay healthy.
Other Possibilities: CB Kareem Jackson, LB Sergio Kindle, offensive tackle if they fall this far
30. Minnesota Vikings—CB Kareem Jackson, Alabama
Season Record: 12-4
Minnesota’s biggest hole going into this year is the interior offensive line, but chances are those guys will be gone by the time Minnesota heads to the podium.
Look for the Vikings to grab a cornerback with the 30th pick.
Minnesota’s secondary needs help at cornerback and Jackson could contribute as a sub-package corner while developing into an eventual replacement for the aging Antoine Winfield.
Kareem Jackson has great feet, excellent at anticipating routes and can keep eyes on quarterback without losing track of receiver.
Jackson is one of the most underrated prospects in this draft. I actually think he could be the best corner in the draft and would be a great option for the Vikings.
The Vikings have just a few holes to fill, Pat Williams might retire but Jimmy Kennedy could help fill that. Center and right guard is awful and could use some extra attention. Middle linebacker fell victim after E.J. Henderson went down, but Jasper Brinkley has another year on him and could be a sleeper this year.
Other Possibilities: C/G Maurkice Pouncey, DT Brian Price
Chicago Bears
Chicago Bears don’t select in this year’s draft until the third round.
I don’t think the Bears will be much of a factor this year. They have a lot of holes to fill and will not be able to start much of a rebuilding system until next year.
The new edition of running back Chester Taylor and All-Pro defensive end Julius Peppers will help, but they still need an offensive line and wide receivers to throw to.
I will look to see Chicago in third or last place in the North in 2010.
Read more Chicago Bears news on BleacherReport.com
