NFC North Notes: Lions, Packers, Vikings

Lions

Lions GM Bob Quinn said Monday that he’s “absolutely’ in the market to obtain more draft picks this year.

“That’s something that’ll definitely be in the talks I’d say a week or two leading up to the draft, try to get more picks,” Quinn said, via Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press. “But it’s easier said than done.”

• While the Lions had scouts at the San Diego pro day where Johnny Manziel was working as a throwing quarterback, Quinn said he hasn’t spoken to his scouts about Manziel: “Honestly, I have not talked to them about that. I read that he was there. Didn’t get any special notes one way or the other about his performance.”

Packers

Packers GM Brian Gutekunst explained that shortly after the Browns acquired Tyrod Taylor, he reached out to them about DeShone Kizer.

“Just because of the closeness of the relationships we were inquiring about each other’s players quite a bit,” Gutekunst said, via PackersNews.com. “When they acquired (quarterback) Tyrod Taylor (via trade), I inquired about Kizer, and it kind of went from there.

“I think he’s a young quarterback who has an athletic skill set we look for. Exceptionally bright, very smart. He’s accurate with the football. He’s able to extend plays, make things out of nothing. I think he just needs time. The things we’ve always looked for in quarterbacks with a skill set and a wiring type he had, and that was intriguing to us. Also moving up in those two rounds, the fourth and fifth rounds, was important as well.”

• Packers HC Mike McCarthy said Aaron Rodgers had several exit interviews after the season, and those conversations are “always evolving.”
• Ian Rapoport mentions that Rodgers was more than briefed and offered his input on the team’s coaching changes.
• Asked whether OLB/edge rusher has to be a priority for them in the Draft, McCarthy said: “I would think so.” (Jason Wilde)
• Regarding RT Bryan Bulaga, McCarthy said: “All feedback I’ve been given is positive. He’s in Florida training, he’s going through his rehab program. But just talking to Dr. (Patrick) McKenzie … he feels that Bryan is right on course.” (PackersNews.com)

Vikings

• Vikings HC Mike Zimmer said that he doesn’t view the addition of Kirk Cousins as a “Super Bowl or bust” situation for them. (Tom Pelissero)
• According to Zimmer, RB Dalvin Cook is “ahead of schedule” with regards to his rehab from a torn ACL. Zimmer added that Cook will do some work during OTAs “but not everything.” (Brian Murphy)
• Zimmer said he spoke to free agent CB Terence Newman about coming back last week: “I think he’s still thinking about it. We’ll have to see where he’s at.” (Brian Murphy)