A quick look at what our NFC North foes did on Day One of the NFL Draft:
CHICAGO BEARS
The Bears owned the 19th pick and, despite the presence of Julius Peppers, decided that pass rusher Shea McClellin was their guy. With the incredible offensive line talent that was available at that time, I was a bit surprised to see Chicago choose a defensive end that many argue wasn’t even the best guy available at his position. Meanwhile Chicago’s miserable offensive line is still, well, miserable. Even so, it is hard to argue with a pass rusher considering that they too have to play Aaron Rodgers and Matt Stafford multiple times each year.
DETROIT LIONS
After years of harping from the media and some fans, the Lions may have finally invested into Stafford’s health by investing significantly into the tackle position. Iowa tackle Riley Reiff was an incredible value for the Lions and Jeff Backus should finally be replaced for good with this addition. Great pick for the Lions who just seem to get better and better under their new regime.
GREEN BAY PACKERS
By taking USC pass rusher Nick Perry, the Packers may have finally found a consistent compliment to Clay Matthews, and NFC North quarterbacks are surely taking note. Perry was not widely regarded as a 3-4 type of player, but I think he has all the tools to be just fine no matter what the scheme. It will be interesting, as the years to go by, to see the Pack ends up regretting their decision to pass on Harrison Smith and allow the Vikings to move up and snag him with the next pick.
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I thought all three of the picks were odd myself. Chicago runs a 4-3 and drafts an 3-4 OLB and G.B. runs a 3-4 and drafts a 4-3 DE. These could both turn into bust picks based on that alone. It could take a while for these guys to get comfortable in a new position. Perry has said, at the combine, he preferred to be a 4-3 DE. Our own Jared Allen has said he wouldn't play OLB; DE only. Which leads me to think that there is at least enough of a difference between the two positions that it may not work. they both seem like bad picks because the player doesn't fit the scheme. I can hope anyway. Chicago must like their o-line enough to pass on Reiff as well. I don't really follow anyone's team needs except for the Vikings, so I could be off thinking the Bears needed O-line help. After watching them resort to using a OT, an OT &TE/RB, and finally using an OT&TE&TE/RB to stop Allen from breaking the record, in the second Vikings game, I just thought they needed at least a better OT; guess not. Finally I don't see Reiff as a difference maker this year for the Lions. I think Backus will start, although he may not finish the year. Reiff is a good player, and provides good value where he was taken, I just don't think he will affect the Lions playoff hopes to much this year is all. In closing, the only team in the North that I think has improved, after day one, are the Vikings. That may only be wishful thinking.
I thought Chicago and Green Bays picks would make more sense if they were reversed, but I think Perry will do fine with the Pack. I think McClellin may not work out so well in Chicago, but we'll see how it goes. The guy just seemed to be a natural fit at OLB in a 3-4.