FANTASY FOOTBALL NFL DRAFT COVERAGE

Detroit Lions (2nd pick)

Six picks plus one compensatory pick: 1.2; 2.2; 3.2; 4.2; 5.2; 7.7 (f/CLE); 7.48 (comp)

Detroit has made one of the bigger splashes thus far this offseason, signing DE Kyle Vanden Bosh and WR Nate Burleson and trading for DT Corey Williams and CB Chris Houston. Those moves address the majority of the Lions’ glaring needs, leaving them free to draft the proverbial “best player available” rather than address holes in their lineup. That said, offensive line is the one position that hasn’t yet been addressed but should be. Also, with Kevin Smith unlikely to be available for the start of the season the team will be looking for a running back as well. Essentially there are few positions in Detroit that couldn’t use an upgrade.

Possible options: DT Gerald McCoy, Oklahoma; DT Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska; OT Russell Okung, Oklahoma State; OT Charles Brown, USC; RB Montario Hardesty, Tennessee

Chicago Bears (11th pick, traded to Denver)

Five picks: 3.11; 4.11; 5.10; 6.12; 7.11

In no small part because they’re taking the first two rounds of the draft off, the Bears have been aggressive thus far in free agency. Julius Peppers was the big-ticket item, but Chester Taylor will join Matt Forte in the backfield and, in one of the offseason’s more puzzling moves, Brandon Manumaleuna gives Mike Martz the blocking tight end he never wanted. Assuming the Bears don’t deal pass-catching tight end Greg Olsen, who’s another odd fit for the Martz scheme, they won’t make a pick until 75 picks into the draft. At that point they’ll be looking to address their offensive line, with help in the secondary an additional focus.

Possible options: OT Kyle Calloway, Iowa; OT Jason Fox, Miami (FL); DE George Selvie, South Florida; DE Brandon Lang, Troy; S Larry Asante, Nebraska

Green Bay Packers (23rd pick)

Seven picks plus one compensatory pick: 1.23; 2.24; 3.22; 4.24; 5.23, 5.38 (comp); 6.24; 7.23

The Packers don’t draft for need, but it’s extremely difficult to see them making it to the third day of the draft without having addressed an offensive line that gave up a league-high 51 sacks in 2009. In fact, expect them to use multiple selections on offensive linemen with needs all along that front. Green Bay should also take advantage of a deep class to address their secondary, again with the potential for multiple selections used in this area. If running backs and/or linebackers slide down the board, the Packers could look to augment and upgrade at those positions as well.

Possible options: OT Bruce Campbell, Maryland; OT Charles Brown, USC; OT Roger Saffold, Indiana; CB Patrick Robinson, Florida State; CB Amari Spievey, Iowa

Minnesota Vikings (30th pick)

Seven picks plus one compensatory pick: 1.30; 2.30; 3.29; 4.30; 5.30; 6.30; 7.30

Favre or no Favre, the Vikings need to address their quarterback of the future—or lack thereof. That pick may end up being a luxury, however, as Cedric Griffen’s injury makes cornerback—already an area of concern—a pressing need. Similarly, E.J. Henderson’s injury pushes the need for linebacker help to the fore as well. The offensive line needs at minimum depth and more likely an upgrade, especially if tasked with protecting a 40-year-old quarterback, while the defensive line must start planning for life after run-stuffing tackle Pat Williams retires.

Possible options: CB Devin McCourty, Rutgers; CB Amari Spievey, Iowa; DT Dan Williams, Tennessee; DT Cam Thomas, North Carolina; OT Jason Fox, Miami (FL); OG Jon Asamoah, Illinois

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