2012 NFL Mock Draft: Analyzing Matt Miller's Latest Pick for Each NFC North Team

Now that the scouting combine is over, mock drafts start getting a bit more fleshed out, though free agency will likely change the picture considerably.

Bleacher Report's own draft expert Matt Miller recently released his latest mock draft after the combine. Let's take a look at who he projects the four teams in the NFC North will take in the first round.

Minnesota Vikings (Round 1, Pick 3)

Miller's prediction: OT Matt Kalil, USC

While draft stocks have risen and fallen in the past week, offensive tackle Matt Kalil stays where he's been for the past month—as the Minnesota Vikings' No. 3 overall pick in the draft.

The Vikings have myriad needs, to be sure, and can have their pick of nearly any player. However, protecting quarterback Christian Ponder is still of the utmost importance, as is providing blocking in the run game.

Kalil looked both mobile and strong at the combine, only further cementing that he's worthy of Minnesota's third overall pick.

Chicago Bears (Round 1, Pick 19)

Miller's prediction: WR Kendall Wright, Baylor

With Notre Dame's Michael Floyd looking very impressive at the scouting combine, it's becoming less and less likely he will still be on the board by the time the Chicago Bears pick 19th overall.

However, the Bears still very much need a wide receiver and though it's a deep draft class, Miller believes they will still draft the position in the first round and I agree.

Baylor's Kendall Wright had a slow 40-yard dash time at the combine, but it wasn't representative of Wright's true speed. Miller reports that Wright also ran a 4.45 40, which makes him a top-tier receiver.

The Bears need to draft a receiver, and Wright is as good as it will get for them in the draft. And if Wright has already been drafted, look for them to take another receiver.

Detroit Lions (Round 1, Pick 23)

Miller's prediction: DE Courtney Upshaw, Alabama

For weeks now, the Detroit Lions were projected by many (including Miller) to target offensive guard Cordy Glenn, but after Glenn's positive showing at the combine, there's little chance he will be undrafted by the time the Lions' No. 23 first-round pick comes around.

Defense is another area that the Lions will need to address in the draft, and if they lose Cliff Avril in free agency, they would look to add another defensive end.

Miller cites Upshaw's poor showing at the combine as the reason he'd still be on the board when the Lions make their selection, which would make him almost a steal. Despite looking a little off in Indy, Upshaw is a beastly defensive end on the field. He'd keep the Lions defensive front strong for years to come.

Green Bay Packers (Round 1, Pick 28)

Miller's prediction: OLB Whitney Mercilus, Illinois

The Green Bay Packers have a lot of defensive needs to address this offseason, but the one they can be certain to meet in the first round is pass rush.

In 2011, the Packers' ability to pressure quarterbacks seriously declined from what they accomplished in 2010, so improvements in that area are necessary. Illinois defensive end Whitney Mercilus would be a great player for Green Bay to take 28th overall to fill that hole.

Mercilus had the most sacks of any college defender in 2011, with 16. That kind of production is going to be very tempting to the Packers and I wouldn't be surprised if he's their choice if he's still on the board.  

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