2012 NFL Scouting Combine Notes for Every NFC North Team

The NFL Scouting Combine is in the books, meaning that all teams in the NFL now get to compare the notes they've compiled over the last few days against the reports their scouts have amassed throughout the past months.

A better picture is now emerging about the top targets for teams in the NFC North. Here's what the combine has taught us about the prospects that the Bears, Vikings, Packers and Lions have been eyeing.

Chicago Bears: It's Still All About the Wide Receiver

This year's group of wide receiver draft prospects is deep, which is good news for the Chicago Bears. Even better is that the talent level of the group hasn't been overhyped, meaning the team has a good shot of scoring a playmaker with their first-round pick if they so choose.

Even in the second round, the Bears could find themselves with a viable starter worth quarterback Jay Cutler's attention should a first-round target be taken by the time Chicago picks 19th overall.

The Bears appear to be most interested in Notre Dame's Michael Floyd, who ran an impressive 4.47 40-yard dash and quickly made a case for himself to be the second receiver taken in this year's draft.

That means Floyd will most likely go anywhere between picks 10 and 20 and could thus be out of the Bears' reach.

Another option at receiver is Baylor's Kendall Wright, who posted a disappointing 4.61 40 time that's not considered representative of his true speed. Louisiana State's Rueben Randle could also be a good first-round pick for the Bears.

In the second round, Georgia Tech's Stephen Hill might suit the Bears. He ran a fast, 4.36 40, and his 6'4" height will certainly draw attention.

Minnesota Vikings: Also in the Wide Receiver Market

With the third overall pick in this year's draft, the Minnesota Vikings are more than likely to take LT Matt Kalil. However, they pick third in all subsequent rounds as well, putting them in a good position to take a talented wide receiver in the second round.

Basically, any first-round-possible wide receiver who slips to the second is fair game for the Vikings, but I especially like Stephen Hill, who I mentioned above as a potential target for the Bears.

One thing that would drastically improve quarterback Christian Ponder's chances for success in his second year is a tall receiver, and that's just what Hill is. Mohamed Sanu could also be a good fit, but his slow 4.67 40 time is of some concern.

Detroit Lions: Could Team Take a Chance on Vontaze Burfict?

Arizona State linebacker Vontaze Burfict was already the most polarizing player in this year's draft class before the NFL Scouting Combine even started, and he certainly did little to improve that perception during the six-day event.

However, the Detroit Free Press' Dave Birkett still believes that Burfict could be, well, perfect for the Lions this year. Birkett points to Burfict's size (6'1", 248 pounds) as being prototypical for a Lions linebacker.

Another thing that seems to fit in with the Lions: Burfict's predilection for amassing penalties. In his time with Arizona State, he racked up 17 personal fouls in 35 games. Considering the team will be working hard to improve discipline and limit penalties this offseason, the addition of Burfict might set that goal back considerably.

The Lions could use a linebacker, to be sure, but Burfict's flaws—which extend beyond the penalties to his on-field performance and, of course, his poor showing at the combine—don't make him worth the Lions' first-round pick.

Green Bay Packers: USC LB/DE Nick Perry Could Fit

The Green Bay Packers have a lot of improvements to make on defense, and pass rush is certainly one of them.

USC linebacker/defensive end Nick Perry was incredibly impressive at his combine workouts, with a 4.64 40-yard dash time, the best vertical jump among linebackers and 35 reps in the bench press.

While actual on-field performance depends on more than just these measurables, Perry certainly did wonders for his draft stock and cemented his status as a player the Packers need to target.

The only problem now is the fact that Perry could have performed so well that he's out of the Packers' grasp, with the team picking 28th in the first round. Perry could go as high as picks 15 through 20, though he may still be on the board by pick No. 28.

Either way, Perry is a benchmark for what kind of pass-rusher the Packers both need and will be judging other potential draft picks on, even if they cannot get Perry himself.

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