The Detroit Lions were the only NFC North team selecting in the first 20 picks on Thursday night’s first round. In case you didn’t stay up well past midnight for the conclusion of the first round, here’s what the other three teams in the NFC North did later in the night.
Green Bay Packers
The Packers threw everyone, including future Hall of Fame QB Aaron Rodgers, a massive curveball on Thursday night. Green Bay traded up from No. 30 to No. 26, giving up their fourth-round pick in addition, to Miami to select Utah State quarterback Jordan Love.
It’s a curious pick that has Packer nation wondering how exactly a backup QB helps a team desperately thin at wide receiver, tight end and offensive tackle. Love is arguably the best possible Packers pick for the Lions for 2020. The player Miami selected at No. 30 with the Packers pick, Auburn CB Noah Igbinoghene, would have helped Green Bay a lot more too.
Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota GM Rick Spielman was a busy man. The Vikings selected LSU WR Justin Jefferson at No. 22 overall. That pick was acquired pre-draft from the Buffalo Bills for Stefon Diggs, so the team basically replaced Diggs on the roster with Jefferson.
Minnesota traded its own pick, No. 25 overall, to the San Francisco 49ers for No. 31 overall, plus a 4th and a 5th in 2020. The Vikings slid back and tabbed TCU CB Jeff Gladney at 31. San Francisco moved up to take Arizona State WR Brandon Aiyuk, who the Vikings no longer needed after taking Jefferson.
Chicago Bears
The Bears didn’t have a first-round pick. It was included in the Khalil Mack trade with the Raiders two years ago. The Raiders used the pick, No. 19 overall, on Ohio State CB Damon Arnette.
[lawrence-related id=41998]