2020 NFL Draft: NFC North Should, Could, Will

This is the sixth in a series of eight 2020 NFL Draft posts that will cover who teams should, could, and ultimately will end up drafting in the first round. Today we look at the NFC North.

Chicago Bears 

Should. The Bears do not have a first-round selection this year. This is the final bit of draft casualty that they will suffer as a result of acquiring Khalil Mack. Given that Mack has continued his streak of dominance in the windy city, it is difficult to judge whether this is what the Bears should have done with this pick. If Chicago wastes Mack’s prime, this will definitely go down as a move that should not have happened. Until we see how the next five years will play out, the jury is still out.  

Could. The team could have retained its first-round picks in 2019 and 2020 without too much of a defensive setback sans Mack. However, given recent draft misses, an argument can be made that landing a guaranteed superstar is a better move than striking out on two first-rounders. 

Will. The Bears will observe the first-round in 2020. They do have two second-round picks, which could be used to move up if they fall in love with someone. History says that trading up might not work out so well (e.g. Mitchell Trubisky). 

Detroit Lions

Should. The Lions hold the third pick in the draft. Many argue that the draft truly begins with Detroit. Assuming that conventional wisdom becomes reality, Joe Burrow and Chase Young would be the first and second selections respectively. If this happens, the Lions should select Tua Tagovailoa. 

Matthew Stafford can lead the Lions through 2020 as the team nurtures a crop of rookies and quality free agents. At the end of next season, Matt Patricia would likely be fired and the team can turn to Tua as the team’s leader after trading or cutting Stafford. It is unfortunate that Stafford would be reduced to a bridge QB, but a change of scenery for him after ten years could be the best thing for his career. 

Could. The Lions could trade down, acquire extra draft assets, and select Jeff Okudah later in the first round. This is a cute move, but it will not dramatically change the team’s future. At best, Okudah fills in for a small percentage of the void Darius Slay left behind. At worst, the Lions end up using their first-round pick on someone who has no impact on their 2020 playoff odds. 

Will. The Lions will trade down and select Okudah. Too many teams will be looking to move up for a star player. Unless they trade Stafford on draft night, the Lions will likely not make a home run move at pick #3. 

Jeff Okudah 2020 NFL Draft Profile

Green Bay Packers

Should. The Packers have the 30th pick in the draft. Other than Davante Adams, the team has few reliable options in the passing game. They acquired Devin Funchess, who, along with Adams, enters the season with high injury risk. While the top receivers will be off the board by the time the Packers select, there is potential for someone like Justin Jefferson to make an immediate impact in Green Bay. 

Could. They could settle for a defensive player. However, the Packers do not have time to develop rookies. The team needs immediate contributors as Aaron Rodgers’ championship window begins to close. 

Will. Matt LaFleur demonstrated that his offensive system is good enough to reach the Conference Championship round. Adding an offensive weapon could help get the team over the hump. The team will take a receiver.

2020 NFL Draft: AFC North Should, Could, Will

Minnesota Vikings 

Should. The Vikings have the 22nd and 25th picks in the draft. They need to replace Stefon Diggs and are in prime position to take a counterpart to Adam Thielen. Justin Jefferson or Tee Higgins would be interesting selections at these spots and could contribute immediately. 

Could. For the first time in a few years, the defensive line for Minnesota will look different. If Javon Kinlaw drops a bit, he could fill in nicely for the void left behind by Linval Joseph. If not, perhaps the team could couple some of its picks to make a big leap for a star receiver or a smaller leap for Kinlaw. 

Will. The Vikings will go receiver. They need to make up for losing Diggs immediately. I can see them taking Higgins at 22 and someone like Yetur Gross-Matos at 25, if Kinlaw does not fall to them.