The NFL Scouting Combine has come and gone and that means everyone is publishing updated mock drafts. The latest we are focusing on for our mock draft roundup is a three-round one courtesy of PFF and their draft podcast.
Hosts Connor Rogers and Trevor Sikkema went for three rounds with trades included to get things going after the combine. The trades they made included two teams from the NFC North in the Vikings and Bears. The Vikings specifically traded up to grab a quarterback, the Bears had trades involving later picks.
How did the rest of the NFC North playout? Let’s discuss that.
Chicago Bears
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Selections
- Caleb Williams, Quarterback, USC
- Brenden Rice, Wide Receiver, USC
Impact on Lions The Caleb Williams pick has been diagnosed every week but Brenden Rice is a new name into the fold. The son of the Hall of Famer Jerry Rice is looking to carve out his own path in the NFL with a style similar to his dads. Unlike his dad, however, he struggles to do anything extremely well to get one over on defenders. He would most likely be a third wide receiver option within their offense but the Bears get the benefit of having a familiar face in the Windy City. Not much impact here outside of what we know Williams brings when the Lions face off against them.
Green Bay Packers
Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Selections
- Tyler Nubin, Safety, Minnesota
- Jonathon Brooks, Running Back, Texas
- Christian Mahogany, Offensive Line, Boston College
- Max Melton, Cornerback, Rutgers
Impact on Lions At this point, we have seen the Packers mock drafts focus on the defense but seeing the mix of Jonathon Brooks is new. The Texas running back could be seen as an eventual replacement for Aaron Jones, maybe even AJ Dillon with his contract coming up. Brooks is coming off a torn ACL so seeing how he bounces back would be key to seeing his impact on the Lions.
Minnesota Vikings
Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Selections
- J.J. McCarthy, Quarterback, Michigan
Impact on Lions The biggest change from recent mocks that we have seen is the Vikings getting aggressive. Coming out of the combine this has been one of the hotter rumors and it makes sense if they move on from Kirk Cousins. J.J. McCarthy has seen his stock rise after the combine but questions remain on his ability to win right away. He with coach Kevin O’Connell could be a match made in heaven but I don’t see much of an immediate threat for the Lions.
Detroit Lions
Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
Selections:
- Darius Robinson, Edge, Missouri
- Kamari Lassiter, Cornerback, Georgia
- Zak Zinter, Offensive Line, Michigan
Impact on Lions Robinson is a name we have seen attached to the Lions often this offseason and it’s a great fit. His style compliments Aidan Hutchison and they could be a dynamic pass-rushing duo and help each other avoid double teams. Lassiter would provide a youth infusion with a high upside of potentially developing into a reliable starting corner, round things out with Zinter and you have a plug-and-play starter on the offensive line. Great class, nothing too flashy, but safe picks with big upsides.