2012 NFL Draft: The Most Realistic Target for Each NFC North Team

The NFL draft is a time for fans to dream, a time to hope that notable name after notable name might fall strategically to the team one supports the most.

However, that's never how a team's draft plays out, and with that in mind, it's better to take a more realistic approach to what a team's specific needs are and how they can best meet them.

Here are the most realistic first-round options for each team in the NFC North.

Minnesota Vikings Should Select OT Matt Kalil with Their No. 3 Overall Pick

There's been some talk of the Minnesota Vikings trading down from the No. 3 spot in the 2012 draft in order to get more picks and build much-needed depth.

This was spurred by comments made by Vikings general manager Rick Spielman in January, when he said the team was open to entertaining offers for the pick. 

While this may be a smart move for the team considering how close they are to the projected salary cap, rendering them mostly unable to pick up free agents, I think they'll ultimately keep the pick and use it to draft the top prospect at offensive tackle, Matt Kalil.

Kalil's presence at left tackle would instantly boost the Vikings offense, especially in a year when they'll likely be without the services of running back Adrian Peterson for most, if not the entirety, of the season.

Kalil can open up running lanes and provide protection for quarterback Christian Ponder—not small contributions on a team that needs an uptick in their offensive production and quickly.

Though the Vikings have a number of pressing needs on both sides of the ball, a player of Kalil's talent shouldn't be passed up. I think it's far smarter for the team to use the pick on Kalil than to trade it away for additional picks.

The Chicago Bears Will Draft a WR in the First Round

Now that the Jerry Angelo era is over in Chicago, there's a good chance the Bears will have a good showing in this year's draft, starting with grabbing a wide receiver in the first round for the first time since 2001.

The Bears have needed a high-quality wide receiver for years, especially since bringing quarterback Jay Cutler to the squad in 2009, but they have ignored picking one up in the draft or in free agency, effectively tying the hands of the offense.

Now, the Bears will have a number of options available to them at the position with their 19th overall pick. The crop of first round-worthy wide receivers keeps morphing as we approach next week's scouting combine, so it's hard to tell who will still be on the board by the time the Bears pick.

According to draft guru Mike Mayock, Alshon Jeffery's stock is in decline, saying he may not even be worthy of a first-round pickup. While Jeffery may not be as much of a sure thing as he was thought to be just a month ago, I don't see him falling out of the first round, so he could now realistically be in play for the Bears.

Currently, I have Chicago drafting Notre Dame wide receiver Michael Floyd, but they could also use the pick on Baylor's Kendall Wright should he strike their fancy. Either way, the Bears' greatest need is clearly at receiver, and that's the position they'll go with first.

The Detroit Lions Have a Number of Realistic Options

The Detroit Lions have four key areas of need this year: cornerback, running back, offensive line and linebacker, and the team could go with any of these when they pick 23rd overall in this year's draft.

While I project the team to draft a running back in the first round, namely Lamar Miller out of the University of Miami, they could just as easily take an offensive lineman.

Georgia guard Cordy Glenn and Florida State offensive tackle Zebrie Sanders should still both be on the board by the time the Lions pick, and either player would help the team.

They could also go with a cornerback or linebacker in the first round, but I see the Lions being more likely to address those positions in later rounds.

Defense is the Order of the Day for the Green Bay Packers

The Green Bay Packers pass defense went from a top-five unit in 2010 to 32nd in the league in 2011, so it's safe to say that improving that area of their game will be of the utmost importance to the team in this year's draft.

They could choose a cornerback or safety in the first round, such as Northern Alabama's Janoris Jenkins or go with a linebacker or defensive end to help the team up front, like Courtney Upshaw, Whitney Mercilus, Dont'a Hightower or even Vontaze Burfict.

Offensive line is also an area where the Packers could use some improvement, but don't expect the team to target any linemen until the second or third rounds.

Defense is the most pressing issue for Green Bay this year, and they'll likely take the best available player on that side of the ball once it's time for them to pick at 28th overall.

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