NFC North Notes: Lions, Packers, Vikings

Lions

Former Wisconsin G Beau Benzschawel admitted that it was disappointing to end up going undrafted last month after there was talk about him being a potential first-round pick last season. 

“People told me, ‘Hey, people think you’re going first round,‘” Benzschawel said, via Pro Football Talk. “Obviously that’s not how it worked out.”

However, Benzschawel wound up being one of the top undrafted free agents and secured one of the largest guarantees after the draft. 

“It was tough, thinking that I was going to get drafted. But I’m grateful now because I’m here in Detroit and I’m just glad to be here, working with this offensive line,” Benzschawel said.

Packers

Packers RB Aaron Jones says he’s “very excited” about his potential role in Matt LaFleur’s offensive system after cutting some weight and getting into better shape this offseason.

“I feel like I am,” Jones said, via ESPN.com. “We’ve run outside zone in previous years here, so that’s what we’re running and I feel good in this scheme. It’s a lot of things I’ve seen before, so it’s nothing new to me. We take a look on film and see how it’s worked in other systems, so it just gets me very excited.”

• Packers OC Nathaniel Hackett told reporters that he believes the team’s new offense is going to be a great fit for Jones: “He’s such a good slasher. With the outside zone stuff that we’re doing, it’s something that’s really going to help him and make him more effective.” (Ryan Wood)
• Packers WRs coach Alvis Whitted said of second-year WR J’Mon Moore: “I’d have to say it was very humbling for him. It’s human nature. You were a higher draft pick, and some of the other guys came in and had success.” (Ryan Wood)

Vikings

Vikings TE Kyle Rudolph, who is entering the final year of his contract, said there is mutual interest for a long-term extension, but they must find a “creative way” to make a deal feasible. 

“They want me in Minnesota. I want to be in Minnesota,” Rudolph said, via Scott Hanson of NFL Network. “Unfortunately, the business side of things gets in the way. That’s a testament to the rest of our team. We have a lot of good football players on our team. They just can’t pay everyone. You can’t keep everyone. As of right now, we still think there’s a way. I said last week after OTAs that my agent and the Vikings are working extremely hard to find a creative way to make these things happen.”