NFC Notes: Bears, Lions, Packers, Panthers, & Vikings

Bears

• Michael C. Wright of ESPN writes that the Bears’ decision to sign Lamarr Houston to a five-year, $35 million contract looks terrible in hindsight. Wright is skeptical about him moving to outside linebacker given that he’s never been a real pass-rushing threat.
• Wright believes the Bears seriously need to consider drafting a running back this year.
• According to Wright, Christian Jones is a candidate to start at inside linebacker.

Lions

• Michael Rothstein mentions that the Lions would have to consider the idea of taking Georgia RB Todd Gurley if is on the board at No. 23 overall.
• Rothstein was asked about the possibility of signing a veteran offensive tackle like Jake Long or Joe Barksdale. Rothstein is concerned about Long coming off of a knee injury while Barksdale could be a more intriguing option for Detroit.

Packers

• ESPN’s Rob Demovsky mentions WRs Jared Abbrederis and Jeff Janis as two players who could have the biggest impact after no doing anything last year.
• Demovsky suggests that the Packers may have matched the Raiders restricted free agent offer for Sean Richardson because they believe he could play a hybrid safety/inside backer role in 2015.

Panthers

• David Newton likes the idea of the Panthers taking UCLA LB Eric Kendricks in round one, as he could play alongside of Thomas Davis and Luke Kuechly and be a future replacement for Davis.
• Newton believes Wisconsin OT Rob Havenstein would be a good addition for Carolina in the third round.
• Another third-round option for the Panthers could be Miami of Ohio CB Quinten Collins.
  Newton doesn’t see the Panthers trading out of round one.

Vikings

• Ben Goessling of ESPN writes that Nebraska DE/OLB Randy Gregory could end up being a talented player that falls to the Vikings at No. 11. Goessling can see Minnesota taking Gregory in round one.
• Goessling believes it’s a “strong possibility” that the Vikings could take a quarterback in the mid-to-late rounds of the draft.
• Goessling doesn’t rule out the Vikings trying to trade back into the first round this year.