NFC North Notes: Bears, Lions, Packers, Vikings

Bears

Bears GM Ryan Pace mentioned that he’s open to using a draft pick on a kicker. 

“It just depends on where you have the kicker graded,” Pace said via Pro Football Talk. “If he’s graded at that value and we get to that place in the draft and that [name] is sticking up there that high, I think you have to explore it.”

Lions

• According to Adam Schefter, Lions QB Matthew Stafford reported to the Lions for workouts on Monday morning. 
• The Lions told Michigan LB Devin Bush if they drafted him at No. 8, he would play middle linebacker in their defense, moving over LB Jarrad Davis. (Dave Birkett)

Packers

Packers G Cole Madison said he is glad to return after missing all of his rookie season due to personal issues while mentioning that Green Bay allowed him to take all the time he needed. 

“It feels really good to be back,” said Madison, via Wes Hodkiewicz. “[The Packers] really had my back with this process the past year and told me to take my time, and get my head right. And that’s what I did. I’m grateful for them and grateful to be back.” 

Madison said he took reps at center and left guard during Tuesday’s practice. 

“However they want me to play, I’ll play for them. They had my back, I’ll have their back now,” said Madison, via Ryan Wood. 

Madison said he still loves football and that he had to get his life in order before returning to the Packers. 

“I love football, but at that point it was my health, and my life was on the line. I had to go help myself before my football career. If I didn’t get my chickens in order back then, I don’t think I’d be here right now,” said Madison, via Wood. 

Vikings

Vikings GM Rick Spielman said second-year CB Mike Hughes is “a little ahead of schedule” with his recovery from a torn ACL last season and are “excited” by his rehab progress. 

“It’s a process,” Spielman said, via ProFootballTalk. “In fact, he’s a little ahead of schedule, so we’ve got a long way to go. But I know he’s been here all offseason, working extremely hard at it. I know he’s anxious to get back on that field, and I know [Vikings athletic trainer] Eric Sugarman and our medical staff and the success they’ve had with ACLs and knee injuries and how quickly they get those guys back playing on the field and playing at the same level or higher. . . .We’re excited about where he’s at this point in his rehab right now.”

• Spielman called Vikings’ veteran QB Kirk Cousins the hardest worker he’s ever seen: “I’ve never seen a guy work at it as hard as he does. He was the first one in the building (for spring drills). He is nonstop all afternoon into that film room… There is no one as professional as Kirk Cousins is in the way he approaches this job.” (Chris Tomasson)
• Southeast Missouri State OT Drew Forbes had a top-30 visit with the Vikings. He’ll transition to guard in the NFL. (Darren Wolfson)