NFC Notes: Lions, Packers, Panthers

Lions

When asked about reports that the Lions’ were split on drafting Ohio State CB Jeff Okudah with the third overall pick in the 2020 draft, HC Matt Patricia said the rumors were completely untrue.

“Yeah, we usually don’t talk about any of that stuff,” Patricia said, via Justin Rogers of The Detroit News. “We like to keep that stuff internal, but since that’s so blatantly not even close to true, I would like to just make sure (it’s known) that is not a true statement, at all.”

• The Lions are hosting QB Joe Webb and OL Marcus Martin for visits. (Aaron Wilson)

Packers

Packers HC Matt LaFleur confirmed that, despite some fears and speculation, QB Aaron Rodgers has really embraced the mentorship role for his apparent successor: first-round QB Jordan Love.

“I’ll say this: The guy has been such an incredible mentor for not only Jordan, but for Tim Boyle as well,” LaFleur said via Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer. “He has done such a great job of communicating with those guys. It is pretty special. It’s like having another coach in the room. I sit in all of those quarterback meetings. He’s just totally embraced that room. He’s done such a great job of taking both of those guys under his wing and helping them both out. He’s been spectacular.”

• Tom Pelissero reports that Packers WR Davante Adams’ hamstring strain is considered minor but his status for Week 3 is to be determined at this time.
• It’s worth mentioning that Packers HC Matt LaFleur said after Sunday’s game that Adams wanted to return but they wanted to play it safe with their top receiver. 

Panthers

After he made little impact after being claimed off waivers last season, Panthers RB Mike Davis was widely seen as a potential cap casualty given his $3 million salary, starting RB Christian McCaffrey‘s durability and the emergence of Reggie Bonnafon as a backup in 2019. But under new HC Matt Rhule, Davis outperformed Bonnafon in camp for the backup job and now will be the starter for as long as McCaffrey is out. 

“Mike Davis is a starting tailback in the National Football League. He got out there (Sunday) and made some great catches, was physical, he was ready when his number was called,” Rhule said via the Athletic’s Joe Person. “He’s a big back, he runs with power, he runs good routes, has good hands, can block. He’s real intelligent. He’ll play well for us.”